York Regional Police announced that York Regional Council has approved the 2021 police operating and capital budgets, allowing YRP to continue to deliver nationally recognized crime prevention and law enforcement programs as well as investigative leadership to the more than 1.2 million citizens living in one of Canada’s safest communities.
The approved net operating budget for 2021 is $360.7 million. The capital budget is $34.3 million, with capital spending authority for multiple-year projects of $47.5 million.
YRP will be adding 23 additional members in 2021 to meet the demands of growth in York Region and workload pressures, while maintaining quality service levels.
These additional members will focus on tackling major crime, member wellness and legislative requirements. They will be deployed to Organized Crime and Intelligence Services, Investigative Services, Support Services, Operational Command, Staff Services, and Executive Services.
The capital budget will provide funding for the new #1 District, land acquisition for a future substation, digital evidence management software (DEMS), as well as the annual purchase of vehicles, information technology equipment and specialized equipment.
The approval of this budget allows YRP to meet the increase in demands from calls for service and population growth, while strengthening the response to more complex and increasing violent crime in the Region.
The budget continues to invest in the mental health, well-being and psychological safety of its members as an important part of a productive, effective and healthy workplace.
There is also a continued emphasis on modernization initiatives and efficiencies as identified through Project Nova and leveraging technology such as business intelligence and DEMS, to better serve our growing community.