Celebrating 20 Years of the Youth In Policing Initiative

Chief Myron Demkiw says a program created in the aftermath of Toronto’s Summer of the Gun has spent two decades opening doors for young people through paid employment, mentorship and relationships that continue long after their placements end.

“We always demonstrate great resilience when we can turn bad news into something positive for many generations to come,” Demkiw said at the Youth In Policing Initiative 20th anniversary gala on October 1.

The Chief reflected on how the violence of 2005 inspired an investment in youth that has helped participants build confidence, discover career possibilities and strengthen connections with police.

Launched in 2006, YIPI provides young people with paid work experience alongside Toronto Police Service members, introducing them to policing while helping them develop skills for education, employment and community life.

For some, that experience has led to a career with the Service.

The Toronto Police Service currently counts many YIPI graduates among its members, including 35 police officers, one cadet in training, 12 civilians, four special constables and five parking enforcement officers.

Demkiw emphasized that the program’s value extends to participants pursuing every career path.

“Whether YIPIs become TPS members or not, they still leave with valuable skills, meaningful experiences, and greater confidence that will serve them throughout their lives, no matter what career they choose,” Demkiw said. “So, this program is a win-win for everyone. And it has been for 20 years.”

The gala brought together alumni, Service members, community partners and provincial representatives to celebrate the initiative’s impact and recognize those who have sustained it.

Toronto Police Service Board Chair Shelley Carroll said 4,677 young people have participated in the Toronto program since it began.

“For two decades, the initiative has brought together Service members, community partners, mentors, and youth from across Toronto, creating opportunities that have opened doors, broadened perspectives, and fostered lasting connections,” she said.

Those experiences help participants develop workplace skills and a greater understanding of public service while giving police opportunities to learn from the young people they serve.

“We want to see young people involved, engaged, and connected in their communities,” Carroll said. “The success of this initiative demonstrates the value of investing in youth and strengthening connections across our city.”

Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa thanked former minister Dr. Mary Anne Chambers for her leadership in helping establish YIPI and acknowledged the collaboration that has sustained the program.

“Children and youth are a portion of our population, but they’re 100 per cent of our future,” he said. “And we have to do all we can to make sure that they succeed and thrive in everything they do.”

Parsa encouraged the young people and alumni to remember the support available to them when they encounter difficulties.

“Remember the people that are standing beside you,” he said. “You have an army of people who will stand by you so that you can thrive, and you can be successful in the future.”

Mississauga East–Cooksville MPP Silvia Gualtieri shared a personal example of the confidence the program can build.

Her 16-year-old grandson participated during the summer and initially felt apprehensive about joining a group with older teenagers. After completing the program, he told her he was no longer afraid.

Gualtieri said graduation ceremonies consistently reveal young people who have developed skills and confidence while exploring whether policing and community service might be their calling.

“It’s a legacy to be proud of,” she said.

For Detective Constable Thushanth Selvakumar, a member of the inaugural 2006 cohort, a summer job became the beginning of a policing career.

“It is hard to believe that I am standing here before you as a police officer, when 20 years ago, I joined the Service as a YIPI student,” he said.

His journey began with a school announcement about an opportunity to work with police. He collected an application, attended an interview and was thrilled to learn he had been selected.

Assigned to the Community Response Unit at 41 Division, Selvakumar worked alongside officers serving his Scarborough community. Community engagement, crime prevention and graffiti eradication activities introduced him to policing and helped him develop practical skills.

The relationships he formed were equally significant.

“They served as mentors and trusted adults in my life,” he said.

His supervisor, then-Constable Greg Watts, now a Superintendent, helped him feel comfortable in the station and encouraged him throughout the summer.

“He was very approachable and sincere in his commitment to making sure I had a fantastic time at 41 Division,” Selvakumar said.

Visits to the Marine Unit, Mounted Unit and Emergency Task Force introduced him to the range of work within the Service.

“Every member made me feel welcome,” he said.

After studying Criminology and Justice Studies at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Selvakumar applied to TPS. In 2014, he became the first YIPI alumnus to become a Toronto Police officer.

“To this day, I still feel immense honour and pride to hold this accomplishment,” he said.

He thanked Danielle Dowdy and Melva Radway for recognizing his potential and supporting his journey.

Dr. Bryan Franco’s experience demonstrated how the program’s influence reaches beyond policing.

Now a physician practising in Edmonton who also teaches and conducts research at the University of Alberta, he participated in the 2009 summer program, working in what was then the Community Mobilization Unit.

He recalled growing up near Yorkdale Mall and attending high school in the Jane and Lawrence area. The experiences of the people around him continue to shape how he understands and cares for patients.

“I did not know any doctors growing up,” he said.

Franco said his journey into medicine showed him the importance of connecting young people with opportunities they might never otherwise consider.

While in medical school, he reconnected with YIPI and worked with colleagues to offer workshops introducing participants to the path to becoming a physician.

“We wanted to show them that they didn’t need to be alone in this journey, and that they are actually needed in the future of medicine,” he said.

Franco said young people’s knowledge of their communities can help institutions better understand and serve the people who depend on them.

“YIPI empowers youth to see their lived experiences as an asset, and not a liability,” he said.

As the program marks its anniversary, Franco sees that as an essential part of its legacy.

“I am certain that its legacy is filled with youth who now see their upbringing not as baggage, but as a tool to improve their own lives, their communities, and the world around them,” he said.

Retired Deputy Chief Keith Forde’s reflections, read on his behalf by his son Superintendent Ryan Forde, returned to the initiative’s original purpose which is helping young people gain experience, understand policing and believe in themselves.

His message credited the people who continued supporting the program after his retirement.

“It has continued and has grown and continues to make a difference in the lives of young people,” Forde said in the message. “That to me is a true measure of success. I am grateful for the opportunity to plant the seed 20 years ago, and even more grateful that so many people continue to water it and keep it growing.”

The celebration also recognized Radway, YIPI’s Program Coordinator, for her longstanding commitment to participants.

“Since the inception of the program in 2006, Melva has been a driving force in empowering young people,” Demkiw said, announcing a recognition plaque in her honour.

Carroll acknowledged Radway’s contributions on behalf of the Board.

“Her dedication has touched thousands of young lives and helped shape the respected and enduring legacy we celebrate this evening,” she said.

Selvakumar said those continuing investments of time and encouragement have made the program’s achievements possible.

“Twenty years of YIPI did not happen by accident,” he said. “It took a team, working together, summer after summer.”

“My story, and the story of every YIPI student, was made possible because of you. Thank you for giving back to our young people and investing in our city’s future.”