York Regional Police proudly ensures the safety and security of the 870,000 residents across the Region through the efforts of more than 1,000 officers and 300 civilian members. Policing one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada, we have found success through developing and maintaining close relationships with our residents, businesses, multicultural groups and community partners.

Goal: To improve the safety of all York Region drivers.

In 2003, York Regional Police investigated 18,018 collisions, which resulted in 29 deaths. We continue to remind motorists that speed and alcohol are still the major contributing factors in these fatalities, along with aggressive driving, unsafe lane changes and non-compliance with seatbelt laws.

	Our ongoing Save-a-Life Program is an innovative road safety partnership between York Regional Police and municipal and provincial enforcement departments. It’s a three-pronged approach to traffic management - Engineering, Education and Enforcement.
	Last year, the Save-a-Life program embraced the Safe Streets – Nice Neighbourhoods philosophy by engaging area municipalities and their residents to work together to make road safety a priority. The program empowers the public to change driver behaviour at its source – on residential streets and neighbourhoods across the Region.

Goal: Respond to the issues that concern our residents most.

	One of the most pressing criminal issues residents of York Region faced in 2003 was the epidemic number of indoor marihuana grow operations.
	As part of our 2003 Indoor Marihuana Grow Strategy, officers executed search warrants at 173 homes, arresting 136 individuals and seizing marihuana valued at more than $51 million. Of growing concern is the fact that 22 children, ranging in age from two months to 17 years, were living in these residences.
	In 2003, the York Regional Police Vice Team concentrated on the proliferation of unlicensed massage parlours in the Region. These establishments are often fronts for prostitution with strong links to organized crime. Working closely with municipal bylaw enforcement officers we closed 37 massage parlours across the Region.

Goal: To reflect the communities we serve.

	York Regional Police is committed to attracting and retaining the best people possible, including those that reflect our diverse community. Members of the Recruiting Bureau follow a strict program of targeted public outreach, including providing information on our web site in five languages.
	In 2003, 24 per cent of the officers hired by York Regional Police were members of visible minorities, a significant number considering the fact our multicultural communities make up about 30 per cent of the regional population.

Police and Community - We Are Better Together

	In January, 2003, it was estimated that one in 100 York Region homes contained an indoor marihuana grow operation. As a result of the concerted efforts of York Region and our municipal partners, by December, 2003 that number was reduced to one in 800 homes. (Source: Markham Hydro)			In 2003, the rate of fatal and serious injury collisions was reduced by 31.7 per cent, dropping from 49 in 2002, to 29 in 2003.