Get Involved

Three mascots in police uniforms, a bear, beaver and moose, pose with a female officer

What role do volunteers play at York Regional Police?

They're the proud men and women drumming in perfect unison at the Canadian National Police Memorial in Ottawa. They're the helpful people at your local community policing centre offering crime prevention tips. They're the human eyes behind the furry facades of the York Regional Police mascots: Bucky the Beaver, Morris the Moose and Bobby the Bear.

They are all York Regional Police volunteers and their service to the organization, and the community, is invaluable.

York Regional Police enlists the assistance of volunteers in a variety of different units. These individuals provide a crucial link to the community, enhance the work of our officers and for many York Region residents, serve as the first point of contact between residents and their police service.

Who can apply?

York Regional Police volunteers:

Must be 14 years of age
Must complete a York Regional Police Volunteer Application and Background Form
Must not have a criminal record

Priority is given to individuals who live, work or attend school in York Region.

Volunteer checklist

Before becoming a York Regional Police volunteer, applicants must complete the following tasks:

Identify a specific volunteer group that you wish to join
Submit a York Regional Police Volunteer and Background Form
Complete an in-person interview
Submit references
Have a clear background investigation check and home visit
Sign an oath of confidentiality
Successfully complete training

Due to the length of the application process, expect a two to three-month period between the time you apply and your volunteer placement. For more information regarding the application process, see Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently asked questions

I require 40 hours of community service in order to graduate from high school. Am I able to complete all of these hours through the York Regional Police Volunteer program?

There is no guarantee volunteers will be able to complete a minimum of 40 hours through the volunteer program. Unlike many volunteer programs, York Regional Police volunteers do not have a set weekly schedule and most volunteers sign up for events on an as-needed basis.

What sort of volunteer programs does York Regional Police offer?

See the full list of volunteer roles at York Regional Police.

I aspire to be a police officer in the future. How will the York Regional Police volunteer program help me reach that goal?

Being an active York Regional Police volunteer gives you the opportunity to meet and network with police officers but does not guarantee you a position within the organization. As a volunteer, you will meet our community partners at events, provide service to the citizens of York Region and, most importantly, have fun!

I do not have a lot of time to volunteer. Am I still able to become a York Regional Police volunteer?

The York Regional Police volunteer program requires a minimum one-year commitment. Applicants with limited free time should consider the Special Event volunteer group, which allows you to choose your own schedule based on availability. We require a minimum of 24 hours of service annually from each volunteer.

How long does it take to start volunteering?

Due to the length of the application process, it can take up to four months to be placed as a volunteer. See the volunteer application checklist.

During the home visit, does a family member have to be home?

A family member must be present if the applicant is under 18 years old. Volunteer applicants older than 19 do not need a family member present.

Do volunteers ever have the chance to do office work in a York Regional Police district?

Volunteers do not work in York Regional Police offices. The majority of events are community-based and involve working alongside police officers and other volunteers.