Halton Police Launch New Youth Engagement Strategy for 2025-2027

In a significant move for community engagement, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has unveiled its inaugural Youth Engagement Strategy, designed to shape their initiatives from 2025 to 2027. Released on International Youth Day, this strategy aims to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and young people in the region, ensuring their voices are integral to future programs.

The strategy emerged from comprehensive consultations involving HRPS members, the Service’s Youth Advisory Council, and feedback from 49 local community partners. These partners represent diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, youth justice, child welfare, and settlement agencies, all contributing insights on youth needs. The collaborative effort underscores the commitment to provide young people with essential life skills and support mechanisms.

Key Components of the Strategy

According to the HRPS, the Youth Engagement Strategy will prioritize creating high-quality programs that equip young people with transferable skills necessary for navigating life’s challenges. A notable feature of this initiative is the introduction of a Community Resource Map, which will help connect youth to local organizations offering additional support when required.

Stephen Tanner, Chief of the Halton Regional Police Service, emphasized the importance of community collaboration in his statement. “Given that Halton is one of the fastest growing regions in Canada, it’s important that we unite as a community to ensure no young person gets left behind,” he said. Tanner highlighted that understanding the needs of youth will lead to more effective solutions, expressing gratitude to community partners for their valuable insights.

Building Trust Between Youth and Law Enforcement

The HRPS’s commitment to fostering a trusting relationship between police and youth is echoed by Angelica Tam, President of the Youth Advisory Council. Tam remarked, “I feel the relationship between the police and youth is so important because it builds a foundation of trust, respect, transparency, and communication that allows us to implement impactful changes within our community.”

She underscored that mutual trust is essential for fostering understanding and collaboration in addressing societal issues, expressing optimism for the evolving relationship between Halton’s youth and police officers. Tam’s sentiments reflect a collective hope that this strategy will lead to a more engaging and safer environment for young people.

The HRPS plans to evaluate the effectiveness of the Youth Engagement Strategy with a public end-of-term report, aiming to track progress and impact within the community. This initiative marks a pivotal step in strengthening ties between law enforcement and the youth of Halton, setting a foundation for future collaboration.