Our Community 2023

Our Community Performance Indicators

officer sitting at table speaking into a microphone

Crime Prevention and Response

Launch of the Safe Centre Response Team (SCRT) Pilot Project Supporting Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

In partnership with the Catholic Family Services of Peel Dufferin (CFSPD) and the Safe Centre of Peel (SCoP), Peel Regional Police launched the Safe Centre Response Team (SCRT) pilot project – the first-of-its-kind in Ontario policing, and a continuing part of the evolution of the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan.

With the launch of the SCRT, victims of intimate partner violence in Peel Region will now receive improved upfront care and referrals. The SCRT is comprised of a CFSPD mobile support worker who has experience in gender-based violence and a specially trained police constable. This team responds to non-criminal, verbal intimate partner calls for service and are equipped with the training and tools to provide early intervention and assist families in accessing supports and services.

The key functions of the SCRT are to:

  • Connect families with existing community services to help stabilize the family situation over the short term and help increase their resiliency over the long term.
  • Help bridge the gap between identifying risk factors and direct intervention, thereby reducing the number of families that are overlooked while looking for help.
  • Ensure a range of existing prevention and intervention services are provided in a timely manner, to reduce the risk of harm and increase the safety of family members.

“The Safe Centre Response team is yet another new pathway in service delivery for our community. This non-traditional response will provide compassionate, upfront care, referrals and resources for people in need and address intimate partner incidents. These teams will bridge the gap that currently exists between initial in-crisis response and the provision of complex care typically provided post-incident by community human service providers. We are committed to delivering on our Community Safety and Well-Being strategy by continually seeking new and innovative partnerships and programs, such as the Safe Centre Response Team, to better meet the needs of our community.”

~Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police

Launch of Clinician Crisis Rapid Response Team 2.0 (CCRRT)

Together with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – Peel-Dufferin, Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) and Roots Community Services (ROOTS), Peel Regional Police launched the Clinician Crisis Rapid Response Team (CCRRT) 2.0 pilot project. This pilot project was developed in conjunction with the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT) and the Crisis Outreach and Support Teams (COAST) tiered Crisis Response Models. The CCRRT is comprised entirely of crisis workers from the aforementioned organization who will provide both phone and in-person services to clients depending on their needs.

The CCRRT program was designed to deal with the ever-increasing calls for service involving persons suffering from lower acuity mental health or addiction-related incidents. The CCRRT team is equipped with the training and tools to de-escalate mental health situations and refer individuals to the necessary supports and community resources. They provide comprehensive and holistic crisis response with specialized interventions from a cultural lens, to improve the quality of life of individuals, families and diverse communities affected by mental health or addiction.

Auto Theft and Carjacking Summit

The Peel Police Service Board and Peel Regional Police, along with policing partners, hosted it’s first-ever conference in tackling auto theft. The 2023 Auto Theft Summit initiated critical discussions about the impact of auto theft on Ontario’s residents and brought together multi-sectoral thought-leaders to share ideas and perspectives in addressing the issue.

The Auto Theft Summit featured discussions with Chiefs of Police from across the province and an in-depth panel conversation with stakeholders from auto manufacturers, insurance and government partners. The summit collectively identified three strategic priorities for battling organized auto theft: enhanced enforcement, multi-jurisdictional collaboration and raising public awareness.

“Organized auto theft is a priority for our community and service. It impacts the safety and well-being of residents and has become a major revenue source for organized crime. I am thankful for all of our stakeholders and partners at the auto theft summit and their commitment to begin addressing the issue”.

~Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police

Major Incident Operations (Protests)

In 2023, Peel Regional Police expanded their major incident response teams to address the growing number of demonstrations and protests across Peel Region. To ensure everyone’s safety and security, Peel Regional Police developed an improved response to public safety through policy and created an effective management plan for future mass gatherings and demonstrations.

two officers speaking to young smiling boy

Community Outreach

South Asian Community Engagement (SACE) Initiative

Peel Regional Police has developed a culturally-responsive framework that will guide our approach to serving our communities that is directly aligned with our Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. 

Peel Regional Police launched the South Asian Community Engagement (SACE) Initiative, which aimed to strengthen partnerships and identify ways to better support the needs of our diverse populations. Approximately 40 per cent of residents in Brampton and Mississauga self-identify as South Asian. This initiative included town-hall sessions, a community survey and one-on-one consultations with community partners. The SACE team engaged community groups and partners to ascertain their needs and concerns, and gathered different perspectives from our members across our organization. This framework was data and evidence-based with input from the community and our membership. 

The core elements of this framework will provide a foundation for how we deliver culturally-responsive services to our community and will serve as a model for other community-related initiatives. 

Launch of Strategy to Service the Autistic Community

Peel Regional Police, in collaboration with community partners, launched a strategy to strengthen service to the autistic community in Peel, as well as increase awareness of autism and promote the inclusion of autistic individuals in our society. This strategy, believed to be the first-of-its-kind in Canada, was developed through a highly collaborative approach between Peel Regional Police and many community partners invested in achieving the best outcomes for autistic individuals.

Our community partners, integral in the development of this strategy, included: Autism Ontario, Community Living Mississauga, Developmental Services Ontario, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, ErinOakKids, Jake’s House, Kerry’s Place, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Peel Behavioural Services, Peel Crisis Capacity Network, the Peel District School Board and the South Asian Autism Awareness Centre. 

This strategy builds on the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan to support a more collaborative and innovative approach to how our organization responds and interacts with Peel’s autistic community. It outlines four pillars, focusing on enhanced training and education, ongoing engagement with the autistic community, collaboration with service providers and opportunities to improve how officers access information when responding to vulnerable persons. It will continue to evolve through engagement, learnings from implementation and continued partner feedback.

“As with all priority populations, police agencies need to do more to understand, engage and serve the autistic community. We are grateful to the many partners working alongside us to define and inform this important work. I encourage jurisdictions across Canada to leverage what we’ve done in Peel as a springboard for efforts to strengthen service to the autistic community”.

~Chief Nishan Duraiappah, Peel Regional Police  

9-1-1 Awareness Campaign

As misuse of 9-1-1 continued to grow within our region, Peel Regional Police launched the 9-1-1 Awareness Campaign to educate residents on the proper use of emergency calling. This campaign focused on informing the community of the appropriate use of 9-1-1 and provided resources to use for non-emergencies.

Peel Regional Police’s Communications Centre received a record number of calls in 2023, at approximately 1 million and continues to invest in hiring and training new call takers, and enhancing technology capabilities that allows for faster response times. The current 9-1-1 wait times have improved from 77 seconds in 2022 to 50 seconds in 2023. Peel Regional Police’s goal is to meet the national standard, outlined by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), for 9-1-1 call processing in Canada.

Residential and Business Community Surveys

On behalf of Peel Regional Police, a third-party conducted the 2023 Residential and Business Community surveys. The community survey collected public opinion on various safety and service measures and provided respondents with an opportunity to have input into the future delivery of policing services. The information gathered from the community helped to inform the development of the Peel Regional Police 2024-27 Strategic Plan. As Peel Regional Police is committed to ensure accessibility and inclusion, this survey was available in English, Punjabi, Urdu, Mandarin, Arabic, and Polish.

Mentorship Outreach Initiatives

ProAction Cops & Kids Jr. Mechanics 2.0

Peel Regional Police’s Junior Mechanics Program participated in the Brampton Fair Demolition Derby for the second year in a row. This program is proudly funded by ProAction Cops & Kids and offers youth interested in mechanics, an opportunity to work side-by-side with civilian and uniformed PRP members. Junior mechanics worked tirelessly on preparing their derby car while receiving instruction from positive, enthusiastic role models. This program allowed hands-on training and access to tools and vehicles the kids would not have had access to otherwise.

 

Boys2Men

In partnership with ProAction Cops & Kids, Community Safety and Well-Being Services launched ‘Boys2Men’, a six-week mentorship program to build youth leaders in our community. Throughout the Program, teenage boys participated in activities that promoted decision-making, resilience, leadership and gratitude. Each week, they worked closely with police mentors and learned from guest speakers and each other. This initiative is another way Peel Regional Police demonstrates our commitment to building relationships in the community and positively impacting the well-being of our youth.

 

Summer YIPI Students Program

In continuing the focus on Community Safety and Well-Being, Peel Regional Police launched an eight-week Youth In Policing Initiative (YIPI). This year, the number of students increased from 25 to 40. The program also added four Team Leader positions selected from students in the 2022 YIPI class. The YIPI students spent their time between academic instruction at Sheridan College and doing placements at each of the uniform divisions. They also received tours of various units and listened to numerous guest speakers present on multiple topics. 

officers stopping cars under a bridge at a RIDE check

Road Safety

Project ERASE and Project Noisemaker

Illegal street racing and aggressive high-speed driving continue to be a problem on Peel roadways. To directly address this, Peel Regional Police participated in Project ERASE (Eliminating Racing Activities on Streets Everywhere) and Project Noisemaker. Project ERASE focused on eliminating dangerous driving behaviour on our streets while Project Noisemaker targeted vehicles with modified and/or excessively loud exhaust systems.

The goal of Project ERASE was to change poor and aggressive driver behaviour through education, strategic enforcement and modifying social behaviour. Street racing is an illegal and dangerous activity that risks the lives of our community members. To ensure the safety of our roads, Peel Regional Police has a zero tolerance for dangerous driving behaviours and street racing activities. Our commitment to road safety is a core policing function and one which all members are dedicated to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

From May 1 to October 1, 2023, officers identified hotspot locations throughout Peel Region and targeted those areas for law enforcement. Officers investigated 941 vehicles and issued 1,230 Provincial Offence Notices and laid:

  • 783 stunt driving charges
  • 170 Improper/No Muffler charges
  • 25 Criminal Code charges related to impaired and dangerous driving

Back to School Safety Campaign: Zero Tolerance

As part of our traffic safety mandate, Road Safety Services initiated the Back to School Safety Campaign with a zero-tolerance approach. Summer months and extended times away from children riding on school buses can relax a driver’s attention in school zones and residential areas when classes resume.

This campaign reminded motorists, cyclists and pedestrians that children are out on neighbouring streets as they commute to and from school. It highlighted what drivers must do when approaching a stopped school bus and encouraged parents to review and practice safety rules with their children, ensuring they are familiar with their bus route, safety on and off the bus and pedestrian safety tips. The 2023 campaign ran from September 1 – 27, 2023 and resulted in 160 Highway Traffic Act charges. 

Peel Regional Police takes children’s safety seriously and increased police presence within designated school and community safety zones. We ensure that the rules of the road, as set out in the Highway Traffic Act, are followed, and that those breaking these rules know that they can expect a zero-tolerance approach. 

Reducing Impaired Driving Everywhere (RIDE) Campaign

PRP held their annual holiday season RIDE Campaign which resulted in nearly 13,000 motorists checked and hundreds of charges laid. During the campaign, dedicated teams of officers worked around the clock to target impaired drivers. This strategy includes RIDE checkpoints, traffic stops and responding to citizen reports of impaired driving. The 2023 campaign resulted in:
  • 12,472 vehicles investigated
  • 53 charges for Operation while Impaired by Alcohol
  • 97 charges for Blood Alcohol Concentration in Excess of the Legal Limit
  • 19 charges for Refusal or Failure to Provide Breath Sample
  • 5 charges for Operation while Impaired by Drugs
  • 116 Roadside Drivers Licence Suspensions for Alcohol
  • 259 Highway Traffic Act charges

Additionally, two firearms were located and seized as a result of these investigations. Road Safety remains a priority for PRP in support of our strategy of Community Safety and Well-Being.

Tow Truck Enforcement Campaign

Peel Regional Police's Road Safety Services have begun conducting ongoing monitoring and enforcement of tow trucks operating in Peel Region. This initiative is in response to new provincial legislation implemented under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) and ongoing problems related to the towing industry, such as dangerous and aggressive driving.

Peel Regional Police want to remind the public that tow truck operators are not exempt from traffic laws, and if you witness any dangerous driving, please report it to the police by filling out a RoadWatch form through our website or by calling 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency situation.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Partnership

In line with our Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, Peel Regional Police partnered with MADD Canada to better support victims of impaired driving. MADD Canada’s mission is to stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime, directly aligning with PRP’s goal. As a result, Peel Regional Police and MADD agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023 to work together towards achieving those results.

Together, Peel Regional Police and MADD Canada will promote changes to strengthen impaired driving laws and policies, raise awareness about the risks and consequences of impaired driving and educate people to provide them with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.

 

 

Performance Indicators

1.1 Crime Prevention and Response

Implement crime prevention initiatives, focusing on violent crime and identified community crime trends, and respond effectively to citizen calls for service.

1.1.1 Regional Community Mobilization (RCM) teams and Divisional Mobilization Units (DMUs) continue to work closely with frontline officers to provide outreach programs and build positive relationships within the community. The RCM teams deal with complex cases that involve multiple vulnerabilities and high-risk situations that are presented to the Peel Situation Table in an attempt to reduce risk. In 2023, Peel Regional Police and their partners presented 63 situations to the Situation Table. DMUs assisted and/or supported over 1,000 individuals from various priority groups to address underlying issues that could be better managed by other support services.

 

1.1.2 Throughout 2023, Crime Analysts supported a number of divisional and organizational projects, including one initiative following an increase in pharmacy robberies and carjackings. The project resulted in the following outcomes:

  • Over 20 violent-related robbery incidents solved.
  • 20 people (eight adults, 12 youth) arrested. Six youths were referred to Community Safety and Well-Being partners for support.
  • 103 Criminal Code charges laid.
  • Seizure of multiple weapons (including firearms) and recovery of six stolen vehicles.

Another project used trends and other vital data to support an investigation into commercial break and enters that resulted in the identification of suspects who were also involved in illegal street racing rings.

Peel Regional Police took the initiative to lead a pilot project on alert bulletins, in collaboration with other policing agencies. Valuable insight is extracted from frontline information bulletins and helps to develop a next generation information-sharing mechanism for law enforcement.  

 

1.1.3 The Communications Centre continued to follow guidelines to dispatch officers to emergency events in 2023. The successful integration of the Community Safety Operations Centre (CSOC) assists in managing core policing resources to help ensure efficient response to emergency events and service delivery in Peel Region using modern deployment models.

 

1.1.4 In 2023, Peel Regional Police responded to 84,431 Citizen-Initiated P5-P9 non-emergency calls by leveraging alternative methods, including community station and divisional front desk reporting, Collision Reporting Centres (CRCs), and online reporting with follow-up through Call Diversion Units. Currently, there are three CRCs located at 11 Division, Corporate Headquarters and Shoppers World Brampton.

 

1.1.5 Crime Prevention educational programs continue to address general themes of increasing personal and business safety, frauds/scams, social media and auto theft awareness. Virtual and in-person presentations were delivered to a variety of audiences. Peel Regional Police participated in a variety of committees, including Business Watch (Safe City Mississauga), Peel Alliance to End Homelessness, Integrated Municipal Enforcement Team (IMET), Mississauga Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Committee and Vision Zero (Pedestrian and Road Safety).

 

1.1.6 Results from the 2023 Residential Community Survey indicate two thirds (68 per cent) of residents agreed or strongly agreed that PRP is effective at responding quickly to calls for assistance, a decrease from the 2020 Residential Community Survey results when 77 per cent of residents agreed or strongly agreed with this statement. These results are likely impacted by an increase in call wait times for 9-1-1 response. Full community survey results can be found here.

              

1.1.7 The 2022 violent crime rate (677 per 100,000) was below the provincial (994) and national (1,365) rates. Property crime rate (1,764 per 100,000) was below the provincial (2,599) and national (3,314) rates.

 

1.1.8 The 2022 solvency rate for violent crimes (66 per cent) was above the provincial (60 per cent) and national (57 per cent) rates. Solvency rate for property crimes (15 per cent) was below the provincial (16 per cent) and national (17 per cent) rates.

1.2 Emergency Management Planning and Response

Ongoing review and collaboration with policing and emergency response partners to maintain a coordinated Emergency Management Plan.

1.2.1 Conducted a review of the Peel Regional Police Emergency Management Plan. Continued to support and assist in major or critical events with the Mass Casualty Unit, comprised of both uniform and civilian members. The School Police Emergency Action Response Program includes 487 schools.

 

1.2.2 Major Incident Operations participated in a Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) joint emergency management exercise, incorporating a blended emergency management response. Community partners who assisted with this event included the Greater Toronto Airport Authority, Brampton Fire, Mississauga Fire, Peel Paramedics and Region of Peel Emergency Management.

 

1.2.3 Major Incident Operations partnered with the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) to secure and deliver rescue task force training and modernize unified command response to active attacker response. 

1.3 Intimate Partner and Family Violence

Support awareness, education and response to intimate partner and family violence.

1.3.1 Peel Regional Police established the Safe Centre Response Team (SCRT). This team is comprised of a police officer partnered with a mobile support worker and is specifically designed to respond to non-violent, verbal domestic calls for service. This proactive approach allows for early intervention, aiming to address issues before they escalate into more severe cases of intimate partner violence. Our centralized Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Unit, coupled with this initiative, showcases our commitment to best practices, early intervention and comprehensive victim support, ultimately contributing to the overall safety and well-being of individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence in the region.

In 2023, the IPV Unit, in partnership with Safe Centre of Peel, achieved accreditation from the Alliance for Hope. This recognition underscores their commitment to integrating the Family Justice Centre guiding principles, policies and procedures aligned with best practices and leadership in addressing intimate partner violence.

 

1.3.2 Peel Regional Police participated actively in the Region of Peel Family and Intimate Partner Violence Campaign, an initiative designed to increase awareness concerning family violence and intimate partner violence within Peel Region. The overarching objectives of this campaign were to dispel misconceptions surrounding the issue and extend support to survivors, bystanders and the community by sharing available resources.

Presented and participated at the Indian Women Diwali Gala 2023, utilizing the platform to enlighten attendees on the intricacies of intimate partner violence and concurrently spotlighting available resources. Additionally, we contributed prominently at the Women and Precious Shelter Gala, delivering a substantive presentation to heighten awareness concerning intimate partner violence while also sharing critical information on available support structures.

Addressed the inter-ministerial Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) working group, an assembly comprised of over 100 members, highlighting the critical facets of community well-being, public education and heightened awareness concerning family violence. Cultivated collaborative ties with the Ministry of Solicitor General-Community Correctional Services and fostered relationships with Sakeenah Canada, emphasizing the importance of supporting victims through a cultural lens. 

1.4 Mental Health and Addictions

Review response to mental health calls and identify partners to provide mental health support to community members.

1.4.1 Collaborated with the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin, Punjabi Community Health Services and Roots Community Services on a pilot project to redirect low-risk mental health and addiction calls to non-police teams comprised of crisis workers from the aforementioned organizations and provide resources most appropriate to individuals’ needs. Our Clinician Crisis Rapid Response Team 2.0 (CCRRT) pilot project was launched throughout the Region of Peel in October 2023.

 

1.4.2 Collaborated and consulted with community stakeholders and experts in the field of mental health to design systems and public policies that connect those with mental health concerns with the care they require. Developed a service delivery model that diverts mental health crisis calls for service to qualified crisis support personnel when a law enforcement response is deemed unnecessary.

In addition, a review of the current mental health training offered by Peel Regional Police was conducted, which resulted in an overhaul and expansion of the current Mental Health Awareness Course. This was carried out in collaboration with community stakeholders and experts in the field of mental health and addictions. This new course is expected to roll out in 2024.

 

1.4.3 Our Mobile Community Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCCRRT) continued to respond to members of the community. This response team pairs a uniform officer with a community-based crisis personnel to respond to mental health and addiction calls for service. In addition, the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST), which is comprised of an officer and crisis personnel, follows up with individuals who have experienced a mental health crisis to support them and offer connections to resources. MCCRRT attended over 2,800 calls for service in 2023.    

1.5 Priority Populations

Work collaboratively with Community Safety and Well-Being partners to identify and improve outcomes for priority populations.

1.5.1 Continued to operationalize a number of actions aligned with our organizational Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Strategy and commitment to collaborative approaches to service delivery. This included the launch of the Safe Centre Response Team (SCRT) pilot project.

In 2023, the SCRT responded to and followed-up on more than 400 calls for service. In addition, the Community Crisis Rapid Response Team was launched in fall 2023 to defer lower acuity calls for service to a partnership of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Peel Dufferin, Punjabi Community Health Services and Roots Community Services.  In the first two months of the program, nearly 300 calls for service were redirected from a police response to partner agencies. In December 2023, a pilot project was established to make referrals to the Peel Addiction, Assessment and Referral Centre (PAARC) and Punjabi Community Health Services for individuals who identify with underlying addiction needs. This process includes referrals to CSWB services for a broader range of needs. A total of 184 referrals were made throughout the 2023 pilot project phase.   

 

1.5.2 Launched a first-of-its-kind Autism Strategy in partnership with a number of agencies that support the Autistic community in Peel. As a result of the strategy, more than 1,600 officers have received training to better understand and recognize the indicators of autism. An engagement pilot was also launched in collaboration with ErinOakKids and a process is being established to effectively identify and refer individuals to community partners as a follow-up to calls for service that involve persons with autism.

As a key component of Peel Regional Police’s Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) approach, Divisional Mobilization Units (DMU) continued to support priority populations. This included more than 1,000 direct engagements/follow-ups with individuals from a wide-range of priority populations to address root cause issues that generate calls to police. DMU regularly makes referrals to community partners, including the Open Window Hub, Regeneration Community Outreach, Peel Addiction, Assessment and Referral Centre (PAARC), SEVA Food Bank, ResQ Youth and many others. The Peel Situation Table continues to play a significant role in providing wraparound supports to individuals at an acutely elevated risk of harm.

 

1.5.3 The Elder Abuse Team engaged with Peel Region’s elderly population in 2023 through presentations and educational and awareness materials, such as Savvy Seniors of Peel and the 2024 Safety for Seniors calendar. Furthermore, the Elder Abuse Team revamped and operationalized the Vulnerable Persons Registry, leveraging the latest technology to provide better service to the community.

The Elder Abuse Unit delivered 37 presentations with 1,200 participants and 280 community consultations. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Unit was actively involved in 367 community events, including meetings and presentations and visited 433 places of worship.

 

1.5.4 The 2022 clearance rate for Criminal Code violations for youth (51 per cent) was above the provincial rate (45 per cent) and the national rate (41 per cent).

 

1.5.5 The 2022 crime rate for Criminal Code violations for youth, excluding traffic violations, (562 per 100,000) was below the provincial rate (871) and the national rate (1,100).

 

1.5.6 Initiated 45 Problem Oriented Policing (POP) projects to help target community issues.

There have been several significant projects designed to support priority populations within the region, which included:

  • Project Lantern, which focused on elderly people living with dementia/Alzheimer’s disease to improve their quality of life and to help prevent them from going missing.
  • A Homeless Encampment Team, created alongside Fire Prevention and City of Brampton Security, to offer support to people experiencing homelessness. These checks were conducted biweekly to all known encampments within Brampton.
  • Boys2Men initiative that engaged with disadvantaged youth to help build life skills.
  • Project Nano, a partnership with 11 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), to support people with mental health concerns and provide them with appropriate resources.
  • Touchdown Initiative, a partnership with the Toronto Argonauts, which supports disadvantaged youth through sports, providing them with positive role models and experiences.

 

1.5.7 The Chief’s Resource Council mandate was restructured to define clear expectations and roles/responsibilities of each member. Ten sub-councils were created to properly represent our community, including 2SLGBQT+, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Asian, Black, European, Accessibility, Youth, Indigenous and Hispanic/Latino. Each group was required to complete an application and volunteer agreement. In 2023, the sub-councils met twice individually and twice as a group with Chief Duraiappah.

 

1.5.8 The Peel Situation Table continued in 2023, incorporating service providers from Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. This multi-agency, multi-sectoral collaboration focuses on identifying situations that are at an elevated risk and providing prioritized access to supports in an attempt to mitigate this risk. The Peel Situation Table dealt with 63 cases in 2023.

 

1.5.9 In 2023, due to an increase in community interest and funding from the Ministry of Children Community Social Services and the Peel Police Service Board, the Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) expanded from 25 to 40 youth and four Team Leader positions. 

Our partnership with Sheridan College expanded to include the Provincial Dual Credit programs where youth complete courses that count towards both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a post-secondary certificate, diploma, degree or Certificate of Apprenticeship.

On a quarterly basis, Peel Regional Police also continues to convene meetings on the mental health partnership strategy. Consultation with youth will take place in the first and second quarter of 2024 towards the development of a Peel Regional Police Youth Strategy.

1.6 Road Safety

Improve road safety through education, enforcement and proactive strategies and focus on the Community Safety and Well-Being Vision Zero goal.

1.6.1 Continued with initiatives intended to curb potentially dangerous driving behaviours, including school zone, seatbelt and distracted driving campaigns.

Project Noisemaker and Project ERASE (Eliminate Racing Activities on Streets Everywhere) targeted unnecessary noise, illegally-modified vehicles and street racing. Project ERASE investigated 941 vehicles and laid 1,230 charges.

Truck inspection blitzes have been expanded and additional officers have been trained under the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Association) inspection standards. Enforcement blitzes were also conducted along community complaint areas and high collision frequency areas to target stunt driving and speeding.

 

1.6.2 Partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada to assist in the creation of a Peel Region chapter to address impaired driving. Road Watch and Strategic Enforcement officers continued to work collaboratively with the Brampton and Mississauga transportation services and city councillors to address road safety concerns through town hall meetings and road safety committees. The Road Watch Reporting System supported our officers to address community traffic complaints. High traffic complaint areas were closely monitored to reduce aggressive driving behaviours such as speeding, improper use of lanes, disobeying signs and heavy trucks on prohibited roadways. 

 

1.6.3 In 2023, the traffic fatality rate was two per 100,000 population. Thirty fatal collisions resulted in 30 deaths, nine of which were pedestrians and three cyclists. The personal injury accident rate was 101 per 100,000. A total of 1,554 personal injuries were reported, a rate increase of 21 per cent from 2022 (1,280).

 

1.6.4 Strategic Enforcement Bureau officers used collision density analysis and high traffic complaint area data to target unsafe and illegal driving behaviours and address areas of community safety concerns for proactive enforcement.

Impaired driving was targeted and mitigated by the Impaired Driving Enforcement Unit based on hotspot analysis of impaired driving calls for service. RIDE enforcement was directed through location density analysis of impaired driving calls for service and frequented drinking establishments. Our 2023 RIDE program stopped over 12,000 vehicles and resulted in 117 people charged with impaired driving related offences. 

ERASE teams focused on areas with high calls for service related to street racing. In 2023, over 900 vehicles were investigated in connection with street racing within the Region of Peel. Approximately 1,200 charges were laid. Enforcement from all segments of Road Safety Services resulted in approximately 1,700 stunt driving charges laid in 2023, a 40% increase over 2022.

The Safer Roads Teams identified individuals to monitor and apprehend using data that identified outstanding and prolific driving offenders. The Safer Roads Team (SRT) compiled a list of over 137 people who are wanted for driving offences and 38 prolific driving offenders who reside in the Region of Peel. In 2023, SRT arrested 36 wanted parties and laid 114 criminal charges and over 500 provincial offences. These charges were laid against prolific driving offenders as well as individuals participating in street racing activity.  

1.7 Victim Assistance and Community Support

Collaborate with community partners to identify and provide support to community members and implement the Community Safety and Well-Being framework.

1.7.1 Peel Regional Police and its Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Unit continued to actively work with the Safe Centre of Peel (SCoP) to connect survivors and those at risk of intimate partner violence with community supports and resources. Project Keep Safe further enhanced community safety and the safety of IPV victims. Project Keep Safe monitors IPV offenders who are released on court orders to ensure they are complying with their release conditions, as well as actively working to locate and arrest wanted parties in relation to IPV incidents.    

 

1.7.2 Community Mobilization continued to work with Victim Services and other community partners to support victims of crime by providing them with wraparound supports and services. Members of Community Mobilization established the Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee to address the needs of victims/survivors of human trafficking. The Committee is a representation of organizations from Peel and the Greater Toronto Area, within the legal, health and social services sector. The regional anti-human trafficking services hub, nCourage, offers centralized coordination. The site hosts the Committee partners who provide victims with needed complimentary services on-site, such as basic health care, addictions support, continuing education, debt relief, life skills and employment supports.

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