NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Members of York Regional Police are proud to celebrate 50 years of policing since the inception of our service in 1971. To mark this significant milestone, we have curated a collection of archival photos that represent the achievements and people that have helped shape our organization over the past half-century.
From the swearing in of our first female officer to the evolution of our investigative and support units, we will be sharing these outstanding memories throughout the year on our social media channels. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to join in the celebration.
When 14 municipal police departments and the York County Security Police amalgamated to form York Regional Police on Jan. 1, 1971, our region looked a lot different than it does today. At the time, about 200 York Regional Police members served roughly 169,000 citizens, who were grappling with the thought that they may lose their neighbourhood cop. High-ranking municipal officers were also adjusting to the idea of sacrificing their own professional stature to join a larger team – to be a part of something greater, even if that meant working as a constable or a sergeant, rather than an officer in command.
Today, our 2,300 members are proud to serve the 1.2 million residents of York Region, which has become one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities. Our officers patrol nine unique municipalities that range from rural landscapes to urban cityscapes, ensuring that our citizens feel safe and secure through excellence in policing. Over the years, we have worked closely with our community partners to promote equity and inclusion so everyone in York Region feels they belong.
“Over the past 50 years, we have truly evolved as an organization to meet the unique needs of our residents. Our achievements speak to the professionalism and dedication of all of our members – past and present,” said Jim MacSween, Chief of Police. “As we look to the future, we are excited to work in collaboration with our community to further innovate and grow. Here’s to another 50 years of policing excellence.”
More information can be found at yrp.ca/50years.
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