Engaging Early, Intervening Sooner and Preventing Youth Crime

Ask most police officers when community safety begins, and they'll tell you it's long before a call for service.

For youth in Peel Region, community safety begins with a conversation, a mentor, an opportunity, or a positive connection.

That's why Peel Regional Police is taking a new approach to Youth Services, one that recognizes preventing youth crime starts with engaging young people early and ensuring they have access to the right supports before challenges escalate. Guided by our Youth Engagement Strategy and the principle of "Nothing for Youth Without Youth," we're building stronger connections with youth, families, schools, and community partners across Peel.

Turning First Contact into Positive Contact

For many young people, their first interaction with a police officer should not happen during a crisis.

Recognizing that one-third of the population of Peel is under 25, Youth Engagement Officers are creating opportunities with community partners for positive interactions through schools, community programs, neighbourhood events, and mentorship initiatives. These connections help build trust, strengthen relationships, and ensure youth see police as a resource and partner in community safety.

"We know that relationships matter," says Superintendent Harry Dhillon. "When youth know who we are before they need us, those connections can open doors to support, opportunity, and positive outcomes."

Building Positive Pathways

Positive pathways can change lives.

One young person was referred to the Associated Youth Services of Peel (AYSP) after being arrested on a weapons-related offence and subsequently diverted into programming. Determined to move forward, he later applied to the Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) and was accepted into the program.

During his interview, he spoke openly about wanting a second chance.

Over the summer, he gained workplace experience, built relationships with officers and staff, and developed confidence in his abilities. Today, he continues to excel in school and has had no further involvement in criminal behaviour.

His story is a reminder that intervention works when it is paired with support, mentorship, and opportunity.

A More Coordinated Approach

Supporting youth requires more than a single program.

Over the past year, Peel Regional Police has evolved toward a centralized Youth Services model designed to better connect youth engagement, prevention, intervention, and investigative functions. The goal is simple: identify risk earlier, intervene sooner, and connect youth with the supports they need.

This includes strengthening partnerships with schools, community agencies, post-secondary institutions, and youth-serving organizations while expanding opportunities for officers to engage directly with young people.

The model also supports the organization's commitment to off-ramping youth from the justice system whenever appropriate by connecting them to community resources and services at the earliest point of police contact.

Investing in Safer Communities

Whether through Peel Children's Safety Village, which reached more than 12,000 students between 2024 and 2025, the Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI), mentorship programs, or community partnerships, every interaction is an opportunity to help youth succeed.

Because youth crime prevention isn't only about enforcement.

It's about being visible. Being present. Listening. Creating opportunities. Giving youth a seat at the table. And building relationships before they're needed most.

That's how we strengthen community safety.

That's how we build positive pathways for youth.

That's how we do it.