Peel Police Board Releases Equity Audit RFP

BRAMPTON, ON – Today, the Region of Peel, on behalf of the Peel Police Services Board released a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a vendor to conduct an employment equity and diversity professional review and/or audit. The RFP is the first step in a process to further transparency on diversity and gender equity within the Peel Regional Police -- a process first started by the Peel Police Board in June 2016. The RFP is being made available to vendors electronically through the Region of Peel's website at peelpurchasing.ca.

In collaboration with Peel Regional Police Chief Jennifer Evans, the Board is taking action to review hiring practices, race relations, promotional practices, anti-discrimination policies, equity employment, diversity, gender issues and officer misconduct. This will be done in consultation with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD) – all with the aim of advancing its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and accountability to residents of the Region of Peel.

"As it continues to serve and protect one of Canada's youngest and most diverse communities, the Peel Police Board believes our police service must better reflect the entire community it serves," said Peel Police Board Chair Amrik Singh Ahluwalia. "The goal of the equity audit is to better understand why more women and members of Peel's visible minority community are not applying to become members of the police. The results of the audit will not dilute recruiting standards and will not discriminate against any segment of the population."

The Board has identified work needs to be done to ensure the police service properly reflects the changing population in Peel Region. This is an issue identified by individuals and advocacy groups in Peel Region, and one that the Police Services Board believes needs to be addressed right away.

"The objective of the equity audit is to ensure we have a level playing field and a police service where every segment of society is welcomed; where young women and men of every background, colour and social status are treated fairly and have an equal opportunity to be hired and promoted, based on skill and performance," said Ahluwalia.

Peel Regional Police (PRP) is the third largest municipal police service in Canada with 2,015 uniform and 845 civilian members with a policing population of over 1.4 million.

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For more information:

Rob Serpe
Executive Director
Peel Police Services Board
905-458-1340
robert.serpe@peelpoliceboard.ca