York Regional Police presented its 2023-2025 Inclusive Action Plan, which details specific strategies to promote Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) across the organization and within the community. The three-year Plan highlights five high-priority areas of work related to racial equity and anti-racism. The Plan includes the development of a racial equity action plan, conducting an equity audit to review programs and policies to identify possible systemic barriers to racial equity and inclusion, creating a race and identity-based collection framework, implementing mandatory anti-racism training and the addition of an internal Ombudsperson.
Additionally, the Plan includes a two-year project on race and identity-based data collection under the direction of consultant Dr. Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, which will focus on employment data and police interactions.
The Plan is informed by an internal Anti-Black racism Working Group report, YRPSB’s Committee Report on Anti-Black Racism and Building Community Trust and the Enhanced Community Engagement and Community Policing report. The report and presentation highlight the areas of focus and progress towards YRP’s shared goal to “enrich inclusive practices for our members and the community.” Pathways to IDEA include valuing diversity, implementing equitable systems and practices to ensure a culture of inclusion, using training and education to develop skills and knowledge to improve our daily conduct and decision-making, and supporting accessibility for our members of all abilities. The Plan is overseen by YRP’s Professionalism, Leadership and Inclusion Office.
To view the 2023 accomplishments, 2024 goals, key updates on high-priority areas and other details of the Plan, please view the presentation and Board report.