YIPI graduates encouraged to carry lessons of service into their communities

Deputy Chief Frank Barredo encouraged graduates of the Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) to carry the skills, relationships and experiences gained during the summer into their communities and future careers.

Speaking at the August 21 graduation at the Toronto Police College, he said the program gave young people opportunities to work alongside Service members while contributing to safer and stronger communities through research, presentations, community meetings and crime prevention projects.

At the same time, participants developed valuable skills, gained practical experience and learned more about themselves and their career aspirations.

“In the past weeks, you had the opportunity to see what policing is really about and consider whether it is a career path that interests you,” Barredo said. “If your experience this summer has encouraged you to consider policing as a career path, we would be more than happy to welcome you to our Service in the future.”

YIPI has already become a pathway into the organization.

Toronto Police currently employs 35 former participants as police officers, 12 civilians, four special constables and five parking enforcement officers.

Deputy Mayor Amber Morley, speaking on behalf of the Toronto Police Service Board, said the program has provided meaningful employment, mentorship and opportunities to explore public service since its launch in 2006.

She reminded graduates that the learning was not one-sided.

“Just as you have learned from the people you worked alongside, Members of the Service have had an opportunity to learn from you,  from your questions, your ideas, and the way you see the city you call home,” Morley said.

She encouraged them to leave the program knowing their voices and perspectives can help shape their schools, neighbourhoods and city.

Ontario Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa, highlighted YIPI’s impact over the past two decades.

He said more than 10,000 youth have graduated from YIPI programs across Ontario, while Toronto Police has had more than 4,000 graduates through its summer and after-school programs.

“We’re proud, absolutely proud, to work with the Toronto Police Service to support this important program,” Parsa said. “Partnerships supporting YIPI help young people reach their potential while building stronger and safer communities.”

He also thanked Toronto Police program staff for mentoring participants and helping them develop resiliency, determination and confidence.

Mayor Olivia Chow congratulated the graduates for stepping forward to learn about policing, service and community safety. She said their experience offered a closer look at the commitment, passion, teamwork and leadership required of police officers.

Chow stressed that effective policing requires more than physical strength.

“It is so important to have officers to have empathy,” she said, emphasizing the importance of listening, understanding, connecting with people and making them feel safe and welcome.

Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner told participants their summer experience gave them an opportunity to better understand policing and become ambassadors for stronger relationships between police and communities.

“You are taking away what you have seen to become ambassadors to our city and to our province, to tell the story of the relationship between our police services and our communities,” he pointed out.

The impact of the program was also reflected in the words of the graduates.

Valedictorian Omed Popal said the experience turned initial connections into genuine friendships while preparing him for Police Foundations studies at Seneca Polytechnic.

“We didn’t just complete the program,” he said. We grew together through the experience, The people standing beside you today could become tomorrow’s police officers, educators, entrepreneurs and leaders.”

Janani Yoganathan said YIPI allowed participants to learn, connect, challenge themselves and grow while developing a stronger commitment to their communities.

“Let’s continue to lead with empathy, courage and a commitment to making a difference,” she said.

Graduate Jaden Sayers said the experience significantly changed his perception of policing, which previously had been shaped largely by what he saw on television and in the streets.

“I’ve learned that policing isn’t just enforcement,” he said. “It’s teamwork, empathy, outreach, and building relationships with our people. Above all, policing is all about trust, safety, and that sense of family within communities.”

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

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.