Strategic Plan Review

Alignment with the Strategic Plan The realignment of CRU reflects DRPS’ ongoing commitment to innovative, modern policing practices. The unit is comprised of a Sergeant, Community Response Team, School Liaison Officer, Traffic Safety Coordinator, and Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs). CPOs apply evidence-based Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to reduce opportunities for crime and enhance public safety. CRU leverages crime trend data and community insights to guide initiatives and proactive-directed patrol strategies. This intelligence-led approach enables the unit to address both short- and long-term divisional priorities, ensuring a timely and effective response to emerging issues. Building and maintaining strong community relationships is central to CRU’s work and directly supports the Strategic Plan’s focus on strengthening strategic partnerships to improve community safety. The unit collaborates closely with municipal by-law services, emergency services, and local Business Improvement Associations (BIAs), among others, to develop coordinated and community-driven responses. These partnerships are grounded in mutual trust, shared responsibility, and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes. Through its emphasis on evidence-based practices, increased visibility, and sustained community engagement, CRU plays a key role in strengthening the trust and confidence of local communities in policing across Durham Region. CRU also contributes to organizational excellence by supporting the development of an adaptable, highly skilled workforce, while advancing members’ knowledge, skill development, and professionalism through the Constable Development Program. Participating officers complete a six-month placement with the unit, gaining practical experience in proactive policing, community engagement, and problem-solving. During this placement, officers have opportunities to:

• Participate in community events and outreach initiatives
• Identify and address community concerns
• Implement crime prevention strategies aligned with local needs
• Conduct highly visible foot and bike patrols
• Use data, evidence, and community input to co-develop solutions to community concerns

This hands-on experience strengthens members’ skills while reinforcing DRPS’ commitment to collaborative, community-focused policing.

Alignment with the Strategic Plan The CIB redesign reflects DRPS’ commitment to innovative and modernized policing by aligning its structure and operations with evidence-based decision making. The integrated platoon model strengthens collaboration between investigative and frontline functions, resulting in improved operational efficiency, enhanced investigative outcomes, and more effective service delivery to the community. Frontline members now benefit from timely and consistent access to investigative expertise, particularly through CIB’s priority of attending scenes alongside responding officers. This approach not only improves the quality and continuity of investigations, but also enables frontline officers to return to calls for service more quickly, with CIB assuming key investigation-related administrative responsibilities. The dedicated Crime Teams further support this model by managing resource-intensive investigations, ensuring Platoon CIB members remain available to meet frontline needs. Together, these enhancements contribute to DRPS’ ongoing efforts to strengthen public trust and confidence, while also supporting members through a more integrated, responsive, and effective policing model. CIB is also a key component of the Constable Development Program, providing participating members with a six-month rotation focused on investigative training and skill development. This hands-on experience supports both individual growth and organizational objectives by contributing to the development of an empowered, adaptable, and highly skilled workforce, while promoting members knowledge, professionalism, and continuous learning. During this rotation, members gain experience in:

• Conducting criminal investigations in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements
• Collaborating with DRPS units, the Crown Attorney, and other police services
• Supporting victims through the investigative and judicial process
• Attending and managing crime scenes, including evidence collection
• Interviewing witnesses, victims, and suspects
• Preparing and executing judicial authorizations, Crown Briefs, and other documents

This structured development opportunity enhances investigative competency across the Service while reinforcing DRPS’ commitment to professional excellence and community trust.

Alignment with the Strategic Plan The success of the recruitment campaign directly supports the Strategic Plan’s goal to develop a representative, empowered, adaptable, and highly skilled workforce. By expanding the applicant pool and strengthening hiring outcomes, DRPS is better positioned to identify and select candidates who bring a broad range of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the organization.

These enhanced recruitment outcomes contribute to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves while ensuring members are equipped to respond to increasingly complex policing demands. Increased hiring also strengthens the Service’s ability to provide the necessary and timely human resources to frontline and specialized units, supporting members in maintaining community safety effectively. This directly aligns with the Strategic Plan priority to earn the trust and confidence of members and the community by ensuring the Service has the resources required to deliver responsive and effective policing.

Through continued investment in recruitment and talent attraction, DRPS is advancing its commitment to modern policing while reinforcing public trust and confidence.