Youth In Policing Initiative

On behalf of the Youth in Policing Leadership Team, we would like to welcome you to our Initiative's official home page. We encourage you to go through the different resources and information available to learn more about the program and how to get involved!

Youth In Policing Leadership Team

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

About Youth in Policing

What is Youth in Policing?

The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Youth in Policing (YIP) Initiative is a paid personal, professional, and community development opportunity for youth ages 15-18. The program has been running since 2006 in partnership with Ontario's Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Each year, YIP employs more than 200 students from across Durham Region. As employees of the DRPS, youth engage in hands-on learning experiences that emphasize the importance of community safety and well-being. Through YIP, students can develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to make a positive impact within their lives and communities, ultimately creating a ripple effect of change.

Our Mission

We want all students to be U.N.I.T.E.D.

Understand and appreciate diversity
Navigate their future through setting personal and professional goals
Involve themselves as leaders in the community
Think and reflect globally
Empower others to be ambassadors of change
Discover policing beyond the uniform

Our Programs

YIP runs a Summer and Winter (After-School) initiative each year, designed to provide a unique experience for Durham youth, while maintaining the program's mission. Approximately 100 Students and 10 Team Leaders are hired for each Initiative and members typically work out of the Durham College / Ontario Tech University campus.

Summer Program

The Summer program began in 2006 and offers full-time employment between July and August. Students work Monday to Thursday (in-person) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Fridays (remote) from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Winter (After-School) Program

The Winter program began in 2012 and offers part-time employment from November to March. Students work Wednesdays from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The program follows the same winter and spring breaks as the Durham District School Board; Students do not get exam week off.

Our Initiatives

The YIP program facilitates several student-led initiatives to enhance students' skills and encourage their involvement in the community. Many of these initiatives also offer opportunities for the public to get involved. To stay updated on upcoming opportunities, follow us on Instagram: @drps_yip.

IMPACT Youth Forum [January] The IMPACT (Inspire, Motivate, Persevere, Act, Create, and Transcend) Youth Forum focuses on creating positive change and youth-led impact in the community. The day features workshops, keynote speakers, and empowering activities that foster leadership, collaboration, and long-term growth. Members of the public are welcome to attend, and registration will open in December.	Wellness Event [January & July] The Wellness Event equips students with strategies and resources to support their mental, physical, and emotional well-being through interactive sessions, activities, and guest speakers. This internal event emphasizes lasting wellness, encouraging students to apply what they learn beyond the event day for long-term health and balance
Special Olympics Basketball Tournament [February] The Special Olympics Basketball Tournament is an event designed for local youth athletes with diverse intellectual abilities to come together for a fun day of basketball drills and skills, furthering the participants’ understanding of the varying abilities. Qualifying youth are welcome to attend, and registration will open in December.	Mock Trial [March] The Mock Trial event is designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of the Canadian legal system, explore youth rights, and strengthen their critical thinking skills. Through a simulated courtroom experience, Students will participate in a courtroom trial where they can actively apply their knowledge and skills.
CAN Conference [March & August] The CAN Conference helps YIP Students build on their skills through community, advocacy, and networking. It connects them to professional development workshops and local opportunities, turning their talents into real-world employability and volunteer experiences. The community engagement portion of the event is open to the public, with registration opening one month before.	Newcomer Soccer Tournament [July] The Newcomer Soccer Tournament, run in partnership with the Community Development Council Durham (CDCD), aims to connect YIP with youth new Canada to participate in a fun-filled day and foster stronger relationships between the police service and the community. The event promotes inclusion, teamwork, and cultural understanding through sport and shared experiences.
Ripple Effect Youth Forum [July] The Ripple Effect Youth Forum highlights the power of small, consistent actions to spark meaningful change. The event features engaging keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and collaborative activities designed to empower young people to take initiative and create a lasting impact in their communities. Members of the public are welcome to attend, and registration will open at the beginning of July.	Junior Youth in Policing Camp [August] The Junior YIP Leadership Camp connects youth aged 10–13 with YIP students for a fun, interactive week focused on leadership, communication, and teamwork. Through games, activities, and mentorship, the camp promotes growth, confidence, and positive peer connections. Registration information will be posted at least one week before the registration window opens in June.
Operation GIVE [Ongoing] The objective of Operation GIVE is Giving Individuals Valuable Essentials, a non-monetary giveback to the community. A community area for improvement is identified, and Students work throughout the program to raise awareness of that issue. GIVE seeks to establish community partnerships to provide a tangible, non-monetary giveback that supports further improvement in this community area.	Community Fundraisers [Ongoing] YIP fundraisers raise awareness about important community issues while supporting related charities or causes. In partnership with local organizations, students engage in education, advocacy, and fundraising to address real-world challenges. Community members can donate through links and information shared on our social media platforms.
Program Media [Ongoing] Program Media's objective is to publicly highlight the program's ongoing successes. The team is tasked with learning about the use and impact of social media, as well as creating engaging posts and captions for their working days. At the end of the initiative, the team creates a final initiative-in-review video to showcase at graduation, demonstrating all of the achievements of YIP members throughout the program.

Highlights and Training

Through Youth in Policing (YIP), students can build self-confidence allowing them to make a difference within themselves and extending to their communities with the aim to collectively make a ripple effect of positive change.

What to Expect

Personal, professional, and community development opportunity
Gain insight into policing
Engagement with the community and different organizations
Fast-paced, hands-on learning environment

Certificates & Training

Standard First Aid, CPR C, & AED Training
Worker Health & Safety Training
Leadership Training
Diversity & Bias Awareness Training
Public Speaking Training

Cooperative Education

Students are eligible to receive high school cooperative education credits through their participation in YIP! They can earn up to one (1) credit during the Winter Initiative and up to two (2) credits during the Summer Initiative, provided through Durham Continuing Education. Cooperative education is a mandatory component of YIP; students cannot opt out. After receiving their employment offers, Durham Continuing Education staff will guide students through the credit process.

Police Service Exposure

In addition to the community work and personal development done through YIP, Students have the opportunity to learn about the various sworn and civilian areas of policing. YIP receives visits from numerous members and units who come to share what they do in the community and the organization.

Eligibility Criteria

The following criteria must be met in order to participate in the programs. You may only be a Student once; you may be considered to be a Team Leader multiple times.

Student

Be between the ages of 15-18 by the first day of employment (stated in job posting)
Have never been previously hired for the DRPS Youth in Policing Initiative (for any amount of time)
Reside in the Regional Municipality of Durham
Currently enrolled in secondary school
Be returning to secondary or post-secondary school in upcoming school year
Be legally eligible to work in Canada
Be responsible for transportation to and from work locations
Be available for the entire length of the program
Must not have any family members employed by a Police Service in Ontario

Team Leader

Be a graduate of the DRPS Youth in Policing Initiative*
Reside in the Regional Municipality of Durham
Currently enrolled in secondary school or post-secondary school
Be returning to secondary or post-secondary school in the upcoming school year
Be responsible for transportation to and from work locations
Legally eligible to work in Canada
You must be available for the entire length of the program

* Being a graduate means you were employed by the Youth in Policing Initiative and completed the program. Participating in the Junior Youth in Policing Camp or any other community initiatives are NOT considered Student positions with YIP.

Meet the Leadership Team

Equity and Inclusion Unit

Civ. Aaron, Cst. Emily, A/Sgt. Christina, and S/Sgt. Mark

The DRPS Equity and Inclusion team is committed to building community partnerships, creating inclusive practices and a more equitable policing environment. Together, the team manages and sustains the Youth in Policing program.

Aaron began with the DRPS as a Youth in Policing Student in 2017 and advanced through all of the program's leadership positions. He became the DRPS Youth Engagement Coordinator in 2023 and now supports children- and youth-related policing initiatives across the Durham Region. With a background in criminology and youth justice, Aaron is committed to strengthening programs that enhance relationships between youth and the police.

Constable Emily has been a Police Officer since 2018, working in various roles. With a strong commitment to communication and community engagement, she transitioned from the Corporate Communications Unit to her current position in the Equity and Inclusion Unit. Emily is passionate about empowering youth and strengthening relationships between the DRPS and the community.

Acting Sergeant Christina has been a Police Officer since 2010 and has held various frontline and support roles. She is currently a constable in the DRPS Equity and Inclusion Unit, with the goal of creating a more equitable and inclusive Police Service. Christina is passionate about working with youth and community partners to build trusting relationships and promote positive changes.

Staff Sergeant Mark has been a Police Officer since 2006, and currently serves as the leader of the DRPS Equity and Inclusion Unit. With a background in operational, investigative, and administrative roles within the DRPS, he brings a diverse range of perspectives and innovative ideas to the team. Mark is deeply passionate about engaging with youth and fostering inclusive, supportive environments that promote their growth and development.

Program Coordinators

Jeevika, Sohile, Hannah, and Aditdi

Program Coordinators lead team initiatives and manage the Administrative and Operational portfolios to ensure high-quality program delivery and meaningful youth engagement. This role monitors outcomes and fosters collaboration across the YIP Leadership Team.

Jeevika is an Operations Program Coordinator and is on her 10th program with YIP. She supports program planning and delivery, strengthens team effectiveness, and creates meaningful experiences for participants.

Sohile is an Administrative Program Coordinator and is on his 10th initiative with YIP. He supports program development through onboarding, resource management, and strategic planning, helping ensure the program's continued success.

Hannah is an Administrative Program Coordinator and is on her 11th YIP initiative. In her role, she supports key program functions, including recruitment, communications, and organizational processes, that help foster a welcoming and supportive environment for participants.

Aditdi is an Operations Program Coordinator and is on her 8th YIP program. She focuses on supporting program initiatives, strengthening community engagement, and helping ensure the successful delivery of workshops and opportunities for youth.

Supervising Team Leaders

Ezekiel, Sarah, Sahil, Caoimhe, and Geeti

Supervising Team Leaders support Program Coordinators in executing assignments and initiatives across the Administrative and Operational portfolios and provide direct leadership to Team Leaders. This role emphasizes mentorship, delegation, and restorative conflict management while ensuring tasks are completed successfully.

Together, Ezekiel, Sarah, Sahil, Caoimhe, and Geeti have supported a combined total of 22 YIP programs. With a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives, they support youth through mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities. Through their guidance and dedication, they help create meaningful experiences that empower youth to grow as leaders and make a positive impact in their communities.

Program Reports

Click the link below to download the program reports.

Youth In Policing Reports

Connect with us!

Please get in contact with us if you have any questions! Be sure to follow our social media for program highlights and recruiting updates!

Email: youthinpolicing@drps.ca

Phone: 1-888-579-1520 ext. 4386

linktr.ee/youthinpolicing

Social Media Notice

Please note our social media is not monitored 24/7. Do not report a crime or report an emergency to our social media accounts. To get a hold of YIP, use the contact information above. In the case of an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 1-888-579-1520.

Mailing List

Want to get regular updates regarding the program? Send us an email to get added to our mailing list! We will send occasional emails regarding program hiring, community events, and YIP functions open to the public!