Last year was a year of considerable progress for York Regional Police. Throughout 1999, there were several administrative and structural changes that laid the groundwork for a period of stability that will meet the needs of our growing communities. 

Early in the year, a new Strategic Plan was approved, which includes a Vision of Success, Shared Values, policing priorities and commitments to the citizens of York Region. The Plan will be the "roadmap" which will guide York Regional Police and prepare it to tackle current and future challenges. 

The Police Services Board continued to work towards providing officers with advanced technology that will reduce to a minimum the time that they have to spend away from the areas they serve. Several projects were ongoing and will continue through the Year 2000, including: the development of a common information management system between several police services in the Greater Toronto Area; upgrading of the voice radio system and the computer network; and the provision of intelligent laptop terminals in police cruisers. Technology, such as Air Support, will also improve the effectiveness of officers, and of others who need to respond to emergencies. 

Work commenced in 1999 to construct a new police station in the north portion of the Region and several new units were established including the Public Order Unit, the Archaeological Forensic Recovery Team, and the Repeat Offender and Parole Enforcement Unit. 

Community Oriented Response Units continued to fulfill their mandate of working in partnership with local citizens to provide an integrated approach to problem solving, and several Traffic Safety Strategy initiatives were established with an emphasis on awareness, education and enforcement.

Ultimately, these initiatives will help us achieve our goal of becoming "The Benchmark of Excellence in Policing" and ensure that York Region remains one of the best and safest places to live, work and visit.

Adequate and Effective Police Services

In January 1999, Provincial legislation came into effect to ensure that there will be adequate and effective provision of policing services in Ontario. The Adequacy and Effectiveness Regulation sets out 58 Provincial Standards encompassing the areas of Crime Prevention, Law Enforcement, Victim's Assistance, Public Order Maintenance, Emergency Response, and Administration and Infrastructure. 

Throughout 1999, York Regional Police commenced the work of reviewing its policies and procedures to ensure compliance with each standard by the January 1, 2001 deadline. These efforts will ensure that the citizens of York Region continue to receive the high quality of service that they expect and deserve, while ensuring that every dollar is as well spent as it can be.

Taking Flight - The Helicopter Pilot Project

During the early part of 1999, York Regional Police and Durham Regional Police undertook a partnership to evaluate the benefits and impact of utilizing a police helicopter, and to assess the viability of forming an Air Support Unit. After considerable research, a six-month pilot project commenced, running from June 15, 1999 to December 15, 1999.
 
After evaluating its performance, the helicopter met or exceeded the expectations set forth and had a positive impact on both officer and community safety. As a result of these outcomes, a full-time Air Support Unit will be established for York Regional Police in 2000.