YIPI summer program celebrates 19 years of building bridges between police and the community

A total of 155 high school students from across the city are enrolled in this summer’s Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) program launched on July 2 at Toronto Police College.

This is the program’s 19th year.

“For students, a summer job is often a first paycheck and a way to build confidence, discipline and independence,” Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said. “It also gives them a glimpse into different paths, sometimes sparking a lifelong passion for career direction. For the Service, this program has inspired others to pursue a career in policing. It also gives us great insight because working with young employees brings a fresh perspective on so many issues. These are all priorities that are an integral part of the YIPI program.”

She noted that the YIPI program enhances the Service’s relationship with the communities it serves.

“Our YIPIs come from many neighbourhoods across the city and will participate in events that are community-oriented,” Pogue pointed out. “Knowing the people we serve, being a part of the community and building trust with youth are priorities that are an integral part of the YIPI program.”

Established with the assistance of former provincial government Minister Mary Anne Chambers who attended the launch, 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.

Pogue praised Chambers and program co-ordinator Melva Radway for their roles in the program that has touched the lives of hundreds of young people in the Greater Toronto Area.

“We truly believe that the skills the students gain as part of this program will benefit them throughout their lives,” she added.

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

“As a Board, we take great pride in the YIPI program,” said Chair Shelley Carroll. “It’s more than just summer employment. It’s a proven and powerful initiative that brings young people, our Service and our city together in such meaningful ways. This program is a key part of our broader strategy, one that goes beyond enforcement to invest in prevention, connection and opportunity. YIPI represents that investment in you, in your neighbourhoods and the future of community safety.”

She told the young people that the program will help them build skills that will serve them for years to come.

“You’ll get to know different parts of the Toronto Police Service, attend events across the city, and, most importantly, form connections with officers, with your peers and with your community,” added Carroll.  “And this isn’t just about what you’ll learn. It’s also about what you bring, your ideas, your voices and your lived experiences. You will help the Service grow and evolve, just as much as it helps you develop and learn. YIPI is about building bridges across generations, across communities, and between youth and the people who serve them. And every summer, those bridges get stronger.”

Through the program, Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the students will get a bird’s-eye view of how the province’s public safety networks operate.

“You are going to have a behind-the-scenes tour of things that most people don’t see,” he pointed out. “It is going to open your eyes as to how you understand the relationship between our police service and our communities. You represent our Toronto which is diverse and special. It never matters where our families came from or how they got here. Toronto and Ontario are the melting pot of Canada. It is a place where we all belong and we have an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed. I want to thank Toronto Police for having this program and hosting it for you.”

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

The program has paid handsome dividends for the Service as 28 graduates are police officers and 12 are in civilian roles.

For Sir Oliver Mowat Collegiate Institute Grade 12 student Arvin Thavaratnam who is considering a policing career, this will be a great learning experience.

“I will get to see first-hand what officers do and the opportunities that are available within Toronto Police,” he pointed out. “It is also a platform for me to network with officers.”

Asma Mustafa, 16, is using her first summer job as a stepping stone to pursue a career in law.

“This is a great learning opportunity for me,” said the Jarvis Collegiate Institute student who will enter Grade 12 next year. “I hope the experience will help me to get to where I want to and I am looking forward to it.”

Constable Akeem Thomas, who graduated from the program in 2014, said his father introducing him to the program was one of the most defining moments in his career.

“It was a stepping stone that gave me real exposure to the world of policing and a deeper understanding of community service,” said Thomas who is assigned to 55 Division. “…Most people only see officers on the road. But behind the scenes, there are many individuals, both uniformed and civilian, who play crucial roles in keeping everything running. That experience gave me a whole new respect for the teamwork and coordination it takes to serve a community effectively.

“In addition, the YIPI program helped me develop important life skills like communication, teamwork, leadership and time management, all of which have continued to support me in my career and personal growth.”

Veeththakan Kaveekaran, who graduated from the program in 2018 and is assigned to 43 Division, encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunity they earned.

“Out of hundreds of students, you were chosen,” he said. “Once you graduate from this program, make sure to come and give back to this program as best as you can. Volunteer, keep in touch with your mentors, supervisors and assist with future interviews and graduations.”

The application process was very competitive as nearly 1,100 young people were competing for the summer internship with Canada’s largest municipal police service.

Jermaine Douglas is exceptionally proud that his daughter, Kelsey Douglas, was selected to be in the YIPI program.

“It was always my dream as a kid to become a police officer in Jamaica, but I did not make it,” he said. “She wants to be a lawyer and was determined to get into this program to get experience.”

In 2008, the program was permanently incorporated into the Ontario government’s list of youth programs. A year later, the Ministry of Children & Youth Services expanded its funding to the program to accommodate a 50% increase in hires.

A YIPI after-school winter program was established 12 years ago.