Youth See Policing Opportunities

At the first ever YIPI Expo at the Toronto Police College on July 28, she took a keen interest in the Forensic Identification Services exhibit.

“This is where my interest lies, so I was happy to talk to some of the people in the unit to get a feel for what they can and ask questions,” said the Humber College student.

Assigned to 11 Division, Cabrido said the expo was a learning experience.

“We see police officers out on the streets and think their job is just to catch bad guys,” she said. “I now know there are so many other things they do and there is a place for me at Toronto Police Service if my application is accepted when I make that decision to apply for a job.”

The Youth in Policing Initiative, which runs all year round, employs 15 to 18-year-old students from priority neighbourhoods across the city to work alongside police officers and civilians to promote connections between youth and police, provide a positive employment opportunity and promote the Service as an employer of choice.

Runnymede Collegiate Institute student Matthew Balkaran also learned a lot at the three-hour event that brought together several of the Service’s units, including Mounted, Police Dog Services, Employment, the Emergency Task Force, Fleet and Crime Stoppers.

“I am on the same floor with the information technology unit, but I never got a chance to get an in-depth look at what they do until today,” said the Grade 12 student.

Chief Mark Saunders attended the event and had the chance to talk with many YIPIs.

“By sectionalizing all of the things we have as an organization, it gives us the opportunity to promote what we do and give a better comprehensive understanding of other opportunities the Service has to offer,” he said. “Anything that expands an understanding of what we do and the range of things we do is good for us. We need young and fresh minds joining the Service.”