PEEL REGION — In a bid to strengthen relationships with young people and improve community safety, Peel Regional Police have introduced a new Youth Engagement Strategy, which they describe as “progressive and forward-thinking.”
The initiative, unveiled Friday, will be shaped through ongoing consultation with community partners and youth across Mississauga and Brampton. The strategy includes several key pillars:
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Establishing a youth mentorship program
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Offering specialized training for officers to better engage with young people
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Enhancing support for youth affected by hate and bias
Building Trust, One Connection at a Time
“I am proud to introduce our new youth engagement strategy — a commitment to building trust, fostering understanding, and creating positive pathways for the young people in our community,” said Chief Nishan Duraiappah in a statement.
“Together, we aim to empower their voices, provide meaningful opportunities, and strengthen the bonds that unite us all for a safer and brighter future.”
Data-Driven, Community-Led
The strategy isn’t just top-down. Peel police conducted focus groups and a regional survey to collect insights from local youth — aiming to get an unfiltered, unbiased view of how young people perceive safety, policing, and interactions with law enforcement.
The findings are expected to guide both policy development and front-line practices, ensuring that the strategy reflects the real experiences and needs of youth in the region.
The initiative marks a continued effort by Peel police to modernize community engagement, and it signals a shift toward collaborative policing models that prioritize dialogue, education, and mutual respect — especially with the next generation.
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