🚨 DRPS' Youth in Policing is hiring! 🚨 There’s still time to apply for the DRPS Youth in Policing Initiative (YIP)! ⏰ Applications close September 10, 2026! Don’t miss your chance to be part of an incredible experience, build new skills, meet new people, and make a difference in your community. 🙌 📲 Apply now: Visit drps.ca/yip or click the link in our bio!

🎉 The countdown is on! Our YIP team is busy setting up for today's 20th Anniversary Celebration. Join us at Durham Regional Police Headquarters in Whitby (south parking lot) from 1-4 p.m. today as we celebrate 20 years of Youth in Policing and the lives this program has impacted. ✅ Everyone is welcome!

Celebrate 20 Years of Youth in Policing! Join us as we celebrate two decades of Youth in Policing (YIP) and the incredible young people, community partners, mentors, and success stories that have helped shape the program over the last 20 years. Whether you're a YIP alumnus, a long-time supporter, a community partner, or simply looking for a fun family outing, we invite you to come connect, celebrate, and see firsthand the positive impact YIP has made across Durham Region. Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Drop-In) Location: Durham Regional Headquarters, South Parking Lot Address: 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby What to Expect -Interactive displays and demonstrations from DRPS units -Community partner exhibits and activities -Food trucks and refreshments -Family-friendly entertainment and activities -Opportunities to meet current YIP participants and alumni -Stories and reflections from the people who helped make YIP a success Come celebrate the friendships, opportunities, and community connections that have defined Youth in Policing for the past 20 years, and help us look ahead to the next generation of leaders. We look forward to celebrating with you!

🚴☀️ Looking for a fun and free activity this summer? Starting Tuesday, August 4, the Kids' Safety Village is open to the public Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until August 20! ✅ No registration required ✅ Free admission ✅ Bike riding throughout the Village Children must bring their own helmet and can also bring their own bicycle. Come explore, learn, and have fun at the Kids' Safety Village this summer! 🚦🏡🚲

The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Youth in Policing (YIP) Initiative proudly hosted its annual Ripple Effect Youth Forum on July 23, 2026, welcoming more than 360 youth from across Ontario for a day of leadership, inspiration, and personal development. The event was particularly significant as YIP celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. This year's theme, "Redefining Success," encouraged participants to look beyond conventional definitions of achievement and consider how resilience, personal growth, community impact, and meaningful relationships contribute to a successful and fulfilling life. The morning began with remarks from MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Lorne Coe, followed by DRPS Deputy Chief Chirag Bhatt. "Success is not defined by a title, a job, or a single achievement," said Deputy Chief Bhatt. "It is reflected in how we overcome challenges, support others, and make a positive difference in our communities." The forum featured keynote speaker Zechariah Thomas, founder of SWIFT Hockey, who shared his journey of perseverance, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Drawing on his experiences, Zechariah challenged attendees to embrace obstacles as opportunities, remain resilient through adversity, and define success on their own terms while creating positive change in their communities. Throughout the day, participants took part in student- and officer-led workshops, networking opportunities, and leadership activities alongside police officers, community partners, and professionals from various sectors. The sessions encouraged youth to build meaningful connections, develop leadership skills, and explore future educational and career pathways while strengthening relationships between young people and law enforcement. As YIP celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Ripple Effect Youth Forum continues to be a cornerstone of the program. Through mentorship, education, and community involvement, the forum has empowered thousands of youth with the confidence, skills, and inspiration to become leaders in their schools, workplaces, and communities. The DRPS also thanks the YIP students and leaders whose dedication and planning helped make this year's event a success, as well as the police services that attended with their own YIP participants, including Belleville, Brantford, Cornwall, Gananoque, Guelph, Halton Regional, Hamilton, Ontario Provincial Police, Owen Sound, Smiths Falls, Toronto, and Waterloo Regional. For more information about the YIP program, visit DRPS Youth in Policing or follow @drps_yip on social media.

On July 6, 2026, the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) officially welcomed a new cohort of students as the Youth in Policing (YIP) 2026 Summer Initiative began, commemorating 20 years of empowering young people through leadership development, community engagement, and meaningful employment opportunities. This year's recruitment process attracted a record number of applicants, making it another highly competitive year. Following the selection process, 114 students and 19 leadership team members signed contracts to participate in the eight-week summer program. YIP is a paid program focused on leadership and community development for youth aged 15 to 18. Since its inception in 2006, in partnership with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, YIP has received more than 14,800 applications and has provided over 2,300 youth with meaningful employment, leadership development opportunities, and valuable community connections. Throughout the summer, participants will work alongside DRPS members, community organizations, and local leaders while gaining hands-on experience through a variety of educational and community-based initiatives. Participants will benefit from presentations delivered by DRPS specialized units and community partners and will earn certifications in areas such as first aid, leadership, and public speaking. The team will also organize and lead numerous community initiatives, including the Newcomer Soccer Tournament, Ripple Effect Youth Forum, Wellness Event, Junior YIP Camp, 20th Anniversary Celebration Community Day, Operation GIVE, community fundraisers, the CAN Conference, and the YIP Program Media Team. The 2026 Summer Initiative promises another vibrant season of learning, service, and community engagement, and DRPS looks forward to highlighting the accomplishments of this year's participants throughout the summer. For more information about the YIP program, visit DRPS Youth in Policing or follow @drps_yip on social media.

Join members from @DRPSNorthDiv for their 2026 Community Safety Day! 🚔🚒🚑This free community event is inclusive and fun for guests of all ages. Emergency Displays: Get up close with police vehicles and tactical gear. Kids Activities: Fun, interactive games and safety demonstrations. Charity BBQ: Grab a bite and support your local community. Give Back: Bring a donation to support our local food banks! 🚨What: DRPS North Division Community Safety Day 📅When: Saturday June 20, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 📍Where: Port Perry Fairgrounds - 15835 Old Simcoe Rd, Port Perry, ON L9L 1N ✅Admission and parking: FREE! We hope to see you there!

DRPS is pleased to share an upcoming opportunity for youth through @COPSandKIDSca – the Drive Smart Youth Workshop, an interactive road‑safety program designed for young and new drivers. The Drive Smart Youth Workshop will focus on building awareness, responsibility, and smart decision‑making behind the wheel. Led by DRPS and @WhitbyFire, the two-day session will address real‑life driving risks and the potential impacts of being distracted while driving. Key topics include: - Distracted driving and in‑vehicle technology - Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, cannabis) - Speeding and aggressive driving - Seat belt use and driver responsibilities - Legal consequences and real‑world outcomes of risky driving choices This workshop is especially beneficial for: - Youth who are new drivers or preparing to drive - Youth in graduated licensing stages - Youth who may benefit from increased awareness around road safety and decision‑making We encourage you to share this invitation with youth you feel would benefit from this learning opportunity. Our goal is to support safer driving behaviours, reduce preventable collisions, and reinforce the importance of responsible choices on and off the road. Event Details: Date: Saturday June 20 & Sunday June 21, 2026 Time: 8am-4pm Location: Whitby Apply now:form.drps.ca/ProAction-Cops-… Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the workshop, as spots are limited. Successful applicants will receive an email with additional event details.

More than 750 students from across Durham Region are ready to walk across the stage in style after attending DRPS’ Suits for Youth and Gowns for Grads events last month. 💙 With the help of 80 volunteers and DRPS officers, students received support in selecting outfits and accessories, leaving them feeling prepared and proud to be attending their upcoming graduations. 🎓 Special thanks go to Oshawa Centre and G.L. Roberts CVI for providing the space and support to run these two events, which helps hundreds of grads each year. These events would not be possible without you, members of the community who continually step up to support these events by your donations of clothing and accessories. 👔 Suits for Youth would like to thank: - PADAN - Oshawa Centre - DRPS - DRPA - Starbucks - Verona - International Clothiers - Tommy Guns (Oshawa Centre) 👗 Gowns for Grads would like to thank: - PADAN - G.L. Roberts CVI - DRPS - DRPA - Elm Law - Multitech Graphics - Tim’s Party Centre & Special Events Rentals - Sweet Thing Bakery - McDonalds - Whitby - Tim Hortons – South Oshawa A full list of food donations can be found on our website: drps.ca/news/posts/drps-suit… With graduation and prom happening soon, we are eager to see all of the amazing graduates with their new outfits. If you attended one of these events, please tag us in your photos on social media. 📸

🚨 REMINDER: @DRPSCEDiv is hosting their 2026 Oshawa Community Safety Day this weekend! 🚔 This free community event is inclusive and fun for guests of all ages. Food will be available for purchase. There will be various activities and displays to enjoy, as well as police vehicles, and members from various units, including the K9 and tactical. In partnership with @OshawaFire, @oshawacity and @DurhamParamedic who will also be present, as well as displays from other community safety partners. 📅When: Sunday May 31, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 📍Where: Lakeview Park, Oshawa - Kluane Avenue (Parking Lot G) We hope to see you there!

🚨 Free Mental Health First Aid Training – Supporting Youth (Virtual) 🚨 DRPS is offering a great opportunity to become certified in Mental Health First Aid: Supporting Youth (Virtual). 🧠 This training is perfect for anyone 16+ who mentors, leads, or supports youth and wants to better understand mental health challenges they may face. ✅ There are 30 spots available. Three intakes of May 20,21 530-930pm, June 8,9 530-930pm or June 20,21 530-930pm 📅 If selected, you’ll complete: • A 2-hour online self-study • Two 4-hour virtual classroom sessions 🔗 Learn more about the course here: openingminds.org/training/mh… 📩 To apply (at no cost), send an email to [email protected] with the following information: • Tell us about yourself • How you support youth in your community • Tell us your availability Only those selected will be contacted.

Join members from DRPS Central East Division for their 2026 Oshawa Community Safety Day! Residents are invited to attend Lakeview Park, Oshawa - Kluane Avenue (Parking Lot G) in Oshawa on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This free community event is inclusive and fun for guests of all ages. Food will be available for purchase. There will be various activities and displays to enjoy, as well as police vehicles, and members from various units, including the K9 and tactical. In partnership with Oshawa Fire, City of Oshawa and Region of Durham Paramedics who will also be present, as well as displays from other community safety partners. What: DRPS Central East Division Oshawa Community Safety Day When: Sunday May 31, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Where: Lakeview Park, Oshawa - Kluane Avenue (Parking Lot G) We hope to see you there!

🕵️‍♀️Calling all Grade 4 Junior Detectives! 🕵️‍♀️ The DRPS Junior Detective Contest is back and we're going Regional! Grade 4 students are invited to create a short story, drawing, poem, or graphic featuring the police in their community. 📅 Contest runs: April 22 – May 6 📄 Entry requirements: ✅ One single-page entry only ✅ Standard 8.5 x 11 paper ✅ Drop off at the front desk of your nearest DRPS Division 🖊️ Important information for Guardians To ensure entries are valid and can be contacted if selected, please include the following on the back of the submission: •Child’s first name only •School name •Guardian’s full name •Guardian’s contact details, including email and cell phone 🎉 Four winners from each division will be selected and invited to a fun-filled day including puzzle-solving activities, meeting specialized units, lunch with officers, demonstrations, and more. Winners will be announced at the end of May. We can’t wait to see the creativity of our Junior Detectives!

We will once again be hosting Gowns for Grads and Suits for Youth to help students gear up for graduation. We are still accepting donations of gowns, shoes and accessories, suits size 40 and smaller. Full story: drps.ca/news/posts/drps-host…