Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Our people

In 2025, York Regional Police explored new approaches to align resources, including people and facilities, to meet the needs of a people-first organization:

• We undertook a deep analysis to ensure sufficient staffing across York Region and increased the role of special constables in investigative units.

We broadened evidence-based solutions to support crime prevention and law enforcement practices:

• We improved training to officers on Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED).
• We continued to leverage the Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Unit (BI) to make informed decisions, which in turn drove the alignment of district projects and initiatives with agreed upon regional quarterly priorities.
• In 2025, we began to pilot forensic identification program incorporating a DNA coordinator role.

We leveraged technology to support innovation and achieve strategic and operational objectives:

• We incorporated BI tool analysis, such as crime mapping with assistance from crime analysts, to direct crime prevention initiatives, and drive alignment around district projects and initiatives, and quarterly policing priorities across the region. 
• We rolled out a Remotely Piloted Aircraft program across districts, and formalized administration of the program by hiring a coordinator.
• We launched a bail compliance dashboard that assists in tracking compliance rates.
• We implemented virtual reality training for de-escalation of persons in crisis.

• SAP SuccessFactors was implemented to improve our human resources processes including onboarding, training, career advancement and succession planning for all members.
• We introduced a policy on responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), and made training on AI available to all members, teaching them how to use AI platforms effectively and ethically.

OUR COMMUNITY

In 2025, we enhanced customer service and satisfaction by modernizing tools that facilitate access to resources and services:

• We explored remote monitoring GPS through Scarborough Grace Hospital to compliment Project Lifesaver, ready to implement in 2026. Project Lifesaver and the Vulnerable Person Registry both saw increased registration rates last year.

• We increased the number of child car seat clinics hosted, which guide parents on how to install car seats properly.

We provided access to crime statistics, trends and data to promote transparency and support crime prevention:

• Community Oriented Response (COR) units and foot patrol officers attended special events to speak to citizens and share important safety and crime prevention strategies.
• We created a working group to address efficiencies with workflow and case assignments in order to increase clearance rates and provide better customer service and victim support. We also implemented an ongoing case clearance audit.

We evaluated the deployment of frontline services and internal processes to ensure optimal use of resources:

• We used auxiliary officers to support crime prevention activities. Auxiliaries were trained on CPTED Level 1, received canvassing training from the Homicide Unit and participated on numerous occasions in regional crime prevention initiatives in 2025.
• We strengthened the relationships between our members and York Region Provincial Offences Court prosecutors by providing training sessions with YRP members and York Region Legal. Thirty prosecutors and eight COR members were trained last year.
• We reviewed the average response time in emergency and non-emergency situations and determined the reallocation and addition of police cruisers at districts.