Recruitment campaign targets character applicants
A York Regional Police badge is a special thing. That’s why we sought high-quality people to carry it
putting people first
When it comes to an effective police officer, it’s not about the uniform—it’s about the person wearing it.
That was the foundation of a new York Regional Police recruitment campaign launched in 2023 called People First.
The campaign highlighted some of the people behind the badge in our organization, including police officers that once had pursued careers in athletics and arts, along with other fields.
The goal was to build recruit classes full of people with diverse backgrounds, skillsets and interests. In 2023, three recruit cohorts totalled nearly 100 new officers. Next year, recruiters expect to add four full classes to the frontline ranks.
As the organization grows alongside our region, the police service’s commitment to build a service that reflects our community becomes increasingly important.
Currently, 27 per cent of the sworn members of York Regional Police self-identify as a visible minority. In 2023, as part of the ongoing effort to find exceptional people to join YRP, the service hosted three diverse recruitment events to provide those interested in a career the opportunity to learn more about the job.
“We’re not simply looking for police, we’re looking for people first and candidates who put people first.”
Chief Jim MacSween
“YRP remains committed to creating an inclusive culture through equitable hiring practices to reflect the community that we serve,” Sergeant Amy Saunders of the Uniform Recruiting Unit said.
A Mentor and Mingle event was held to kick-off International Women’s Day in March and another recruitment event was held to kick-off Asian Heritage Month.
The Uniform Recruiting Unit also held a Women’s Symposium in October.
Members of the Uniformed Recruitment Unit attended a total of 25 diverse recruitment events in 2023 across York Region.
“We are seeking people of quality character to carry the badge,” said Chief Jim MacSween at the campaign launch in February. “We’re not simply looking for police — we’re looking for people first and candidates who put people first.”
