Peel Police Services Board Releases Equity Audit

On June 14, 2016, the Peel Police Services Board passed a resolution to initiate an external equity audit of Peel Regional Police. The external review was conducted by an independent, third-party, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), and was focused on a range of issues including hiring and promotional practices, race relations, anti-discrimination policies, gender issues and diversity.

In response to the findings in the report, Peel Police Services Board Chair Nando Iannicca has released the following statement:

“The Peel Police Services Board initiated an external review because we recognize that it is important for Peel Regional Police to reflect the diverse community it serves and improve its processes. We appreciate CCDI’s external review of the progress we have made, the challenges we face and the work that can be done to continue to promote diversity and inclusion in the Peel Regional Police.

As a result of the external review:

• The Board accepts the findings of the audit and has already taken action to begin working with the Chief and police associations to begin implementing the recommendations;
• The Board and Chief are working in collaboration to create a new position at Peel Regional Police that will report directly to the Chief, who will be responsible for ensuring that cultural competency and a diversity and inclusion lens is applied to all aspects of Peel Regional Police, both internally and externally;
• Peel Regional Police’s recruitment bureau will fall under the responsibility of the Chief; and
• The Board will also keep the community updated through regular reporting on the findings and recommendations from the equity audit at Board meetings.

It is also important to note that while this review was underway, progress has already begun. Peel Regional Police has put significant effort into increased community engagement and outreach and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the police service.

The Board understands that all organizations, including Peel Regional Police, should seek to adapt and increase its diversity and inclusion. That is what the Peel Regional Police has been working on and will continue to do in the months and years ahead. We look forward to working with the with the Chief, the members of Peel Regional Police, the Peel Regional Police Association and Senior Officers Association and our community to continue to improve how we serve and protect the people of Peel with a Police Service that reflects the community that it serves.

Finally, we also want to reinforce our full support to the fine members of Peel Regional Police. We thank them for their dedication and offer our full support today and going forward.” 

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For more information:

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