Next Generation of Rovers Serve Their Community

The Toronto Police Service 22 Division Rover Crew continues to strengthen community relationships while encouraging the next generation to engage in building safer neighborhoods.

A total of 32 first-year members were formally invested into the volunteer Scouts Canada program on March 23 at the Toronto Police College.

“The Rovers program helps young people develop leadership and life skills while building trust and understanding with police,” said Chief Superintendent Jacqueline Baus. “We all remember our first job or volunteer experience and how it helped prepare us for the future. We also remember the teacher, coach or mentor who believed in us and helped us gain confidence. At the Toronto Police Service, we know how important mentorship is.”

Despite their diverse backgrounds, she emphasized that all Rovers share a common goal .

“Giving back is what the Rover program is all about,” Baus added. “Volunteering, just like policing, is being part of something bigger where every action, big or small, makes a difference. The way you give back and the way you are there for one another is significant. You are not only the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of today.”

Rover Crew members are all Humber Polytechnic students studying in a policing-related field who volunteer their time with police as part of the Scouts Canada Rover program for young adults 18 to 26.

Inspector Jeff Bangild, the Unit Commander of 22 Division, works closely with the Rovers and support staff.

“I believe there is something within all of us that drives us to help others,” he said. “It shows up in the small, everyday actions like returning a shopping cart, helping a neighbour after a snowfall or supporting a local food bank. For some, that drive becomes a calling. Those who dedicate their lives to public service choose to turn compassion into action. The path of the Rovers mirrors that of police officers, grounded in service and community.”

Bangild added that Rovers embody selfless determination, consistently putting team success above individual recognition and demonstrating unwavering commitment in every challenge.

“The difference you have made in this city is profound,” he said. “Through your efforts, you have helped make our communities safer, supported the well-being of those around you and inspired others to follow your example. Every step forward you take is one that pushes the world in a better direction. Go beyond.”

Ashfaque Nalim, commissioner of the Scouts Canada Greater Toronto Council, said scouting extends far beyond the program itself.

“Tonight marks more than a ceremony,” he said. “It marks a commitment to service, leadership and personal responsibility. By choosing to become Rovers, you are choosing to live scouting values not because you are asked to, but because you believe in them. You will take what you learn in scouting and apply it in the real world through service, community engagement and leadership.”

The 22 Division Rover Crew is a partnership between Humber Polytechnic’s Police Foundations program, Scouts Canada, and 22 Division. It offers students the opportunity to volunteer with police through a scouting framework, gaining valuable real-world experience while contributing to the community.

“The Rovers program represents a truly unique experiential learning opportunity,” said Arun Dhanota, program coordinator. “It allows police foundations students to build real-world experience, meaningful connections and a deeper understanding of the policing profession.”

She also recognized Rover Crew co-founder Constable Scott Walker, a 2005 Humber graduate.

“From the very beginning, he stood out,” she said. “During the Rovers program in his first semester, he quickly became a respected and admired member of the group. He was a natural leader and someone people gravitated toward because of his calm presence, intelligence and integrity. He excelled not only academically but socially and was deeply respected by both faculty and his peers.”

Constable Katrina Lambino, a program adviser and Master of Ceremony, spoke about the impact of the initiative on youth development.

“These young minds are the future of our police services,” she said. “They are a testament to the Rover Crew program. They understand community and helping others on a deeper and more meaningful level than the average person. I have no doubt they are molding themselves to become key players in our communities, role models who are inclusive and respectful, all attributes of a police officer.”

For North Albion Collegiate Institute graduate Angel Joseph, becoming a Rover marks the first step toward a policing career.

“Initially, I was thinking about getting into law, but I later found out that I can do more and make a bigger difference in policing, and that is why I want to get into that career,” said the 2024 Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) participant now enrolled in Humber’s Protection, Security and Investigation program.

The diversity of the cohort is notable. Of the first-year members, 19 speak a second language and three speak four or more.

“With the members who have formally been invested into the Crew this evening, we continue to not only be the largest vocational policing-specific Rover Crew in Canada, but even more impressively, the largest Rover Crew in Canada,” said Walker. “I am often asked why I continue to be part of this Crew after so many years. The answer is simple. Someone mentored me 22 years ago as I began my journey to becoming a police officer. This is my way of giving back. The ongoing success of our members is what continues to drive me.”

Since September 2025 Crew members have taken part in 112 events, participated in 39 different initiatives and contributed 4,143 volunteer hours.

“From city parades to PREP (Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police) sessions here at the Toronto Police College, to the Daily Bread Food Bank and other community events, you have truly embraced what it means to give back,” Walker said.

Over the past year, 10 current and former Rover members have joined law enforcement, including three who are now Toronto police constables.

Community Impact Awards were presented to first-year and returning members for consistent volunteerism and a positive outlook. Recipients included Alexander Boyette, Earl Augustine, and aspiring Toronto Police officers Khuraman Talib-Zada and Jason Berko.

“With all the inspiration I have gotten from Toronto Police officers since joining the program, I realized policing is what I want to do,” said Talib-Zada who immigrated from Azerbaijan two years ago. “I want to serve and give back to the community.”

Berko shared a similar aspiration shaped by personal experience.

“Growing up in the Driftwood community, I had a lot of positive interactions with police officers, even though I lost some friends to gun violence,” he said. “Over the years, Toronto Police officers came into our community and did a lot of positive things that impressed me.”

The Tyson Bajwa Award of Excellence, named after a longtime Rover, was presented to Isabella Leon.

Bajwa, who joined in 2016 and later became an executive administrator, volunteered 1,217 hours and attended 212 community events. He was honored with a shadow box of his retired uniform in recognition of his dedication.

The Toronto Police Service now has 72 Rovers who support major events such as the Toronto Santa Claus Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, bicycle rodeos and annual toy drives.