A new year brings new improvements for York Regional Police (YRP).
The local police force will add 27 additional members who will be tasked with combating serious and violent crimes. It will also complete its new district headquarters and purchase specialized equipment in 2022.
Its net operating budget of $376.8 million, approved by York Regional Council, represents an increase of 4.5 per cent over 2021. The capital budget is $32.8 million, with capital spending authority for multiple-year projects of $32.8 million.
New YRP members will also focus on advancing learning, member development, organizational effectiveness and transformation and will be deployed to Districts, Organized Crime and Intelligence Services, Corporate Development, Operational Command, Infrastructure Services, Executive Services and People, Wellness and Talent.
The new #1 District Headquarters in Newmarket will replace the 50-year headquarters on Prospect Street, which is undergoing renovations. The budget allows for helicopter replacement and continued investment in digital evidence management software (DEMS).
First introduced by YRP in 2020, DEMS is a cloud-based repository for numerous types of evidence required for prosecuting criminals in court. Members of the public and businesses can submit video evidence to the DEMS portal.
The budget also sets aside funds for the annual purchase of vehicles, information technology equipment and other specialized equipment.
“We are proud to be one of Canada’s safest communities while maintaining the lowest gross cost per capita among our comparators,” Const. Laura Nicolle says.
