Investing in Young People

Another group of young people benefited from a program that invests in young people, giving them a summer job and the chance to connect and learn from police officers.

A total of 152 students completed the Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) program this summer.

“One of the reasons why the program is so amazing is because it allows us to learn from one another,” said Chief Superintendent Kelly Skinner at the graduation ceremony on August 22 at the Toronto Police College. “As young people, you know firsthand the realities, challenges and concerns of your peers. Thank you for bringing this energy and for sharing your perspectives with us.

“The relationship between Toronto Police and young people throughout the city is really important to us and I continue to believe that trust is something that is built through dialogue. And that is what community safety and well-being is all about.”

Over the summer, the youths did research and presentations, took part in key community programs, events and partnerships and learned more about various communities in the city.

“As the leaders of tomorrow, the skills you have gained will benefit you throughout your lives,” Skinner said. “If you choose to work in policing as a career path, we will be more than happy to welcome you. We are proud of the results of this program, and we are incredibly proud of every one of you.”

There have been 28 graduates who now serve as police officers in Toronto and a dozen in civilian roles.

The valedictorians were Efe Yikici, Mery Jeyarajah, Ashley McDonald and Anthony Tamburro.

For McDonald, the program was a valuable stepping stone as she aspires to be a police officer.

“We learned and we grew,” the St. Joseph Marrow Park College Secondary School graduate said. “Not only did the TPS invest in us, but after they planted the seed, they nourished us. I am grateful for all of the presentations, the training and the guest speakers. But the presentation from Officer Lance (Waddell) was different as he shifted my perspective on the relationship I have with money. He gave us tips and advice that I never learned in school. The three most important things I took away from what he said were ‘Be in a hurry, but not a rush’, ‘Poor minds gossip, wealthy minds discuss’ and ‘Stay Disciplined, if it is not a need, don’t get it.’”

McDonald enters Niagara College’s Police Foundations program in January.

Yikici, a North Toronto Collegiate Grade 12 student who intends to pursue a career with TPS, enjoyed the summer.

“Over the past eight weeks, we have experienced something far beyond a typical summer job,” he said. “We were introduced to the world of policing, not just through uniforms and patrols, but through conversations, mentorship and hands-on experience. We learned what it really means to serve a community, and we saw first-hand the discipline, compassion and courage that policing demands. The officers and staff that welcomed us and mentored us didn’t just teach us about careers. They gave us hope, structure and someone to look up to.”

Jeyarajah said the program allowed her to grow as a person.

“It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, meet new people and understand what it means to be part of a team,” she said. “…This is not the end, but the beginning of the difference we can all make.”

When a friend told Tamburro recently that Toronto Police is prejudiced, he was able to tell the individual that he didn’t experience anything like that is like that and explained the positive experiences he had over his two months.

“Because of what I saw during my time in the YIPI program, I told my friend that the Service is making every effort to change that negative perception,” said the Grade 12 student. “I saw that while I was employed with the Service.”

During the summer program, participants were exposed to a diverse range of roles and responsibilities.

Earning $17.25 an hour, the YIPI students were embedded within the Service’s 16 Divisions and many support units, working alongside both uniform and civilian members.

The Toronto Police Service Board (TPSB) has supported the program from its inception.

“This is a moment to reflect on all you have achieved and to thank you for the energy, commitment and spirit you brought to the program,” said Chair Shelley Carroll. “…I hope this summer has given you skills, confidence and connections you will carry forward. I also hope it has shown you the power of teamwork, integrity, respect and a strong commitment to community. We are proud of you. You are future leaders and we look forward to seeing where you go.”

Lorne Coe, the Parliamentary Assistant in the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, said the provincial government is proud to fund and support initiatives like the YIPI program.

“The YIPI program is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain real-world experience in a positive, supportive and safe environment,” he pointed out. “To the students graduating today, I want to say your decision to take part in this program says a lot about your courage and your community spirit. The skills you have gained this summer, leadership, teamwork and communication, will serve you well in any career you choose.”

Established with the assistance of former provincial government Minister Mary Anne Chambers who attended the graduation, the program caters to high school and university students, between 15 and 18, who come from City of Toronto-designated Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and often struggle to find summer employment.

“YIPI is like a village,” said Chambers. “There are many partners that come together to make this program work, including those who have given their time and shared their expertise with you. Some of them have allowed you to work in their offices, giving you the opportunity to acquire skills that could be helpful to you in the future. They have all showed you that they care about you. I thank them sincerely and I hope you showed them that you deserved the opportunities they gave you.”

She heaped praise on Melva Radway and the YIPI leadership team for their outstanding work in coordinating the program.

“Beginning with the challenging process of selecting the students for participation in the program, then making the programming meaningful by defining and co-ordinating the partnerships that help to ensure the success of the program, the team deserves to be congratulated,” Chambers said.

Learn more about the Youth In Policing Initiative, which runs throughout the year, at www.tps.ca/youth-policing-initiative.