Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau 
York Region has truly become a global community, enriched by the linguistic, religious, and ethnocultural diversity of community members who trace their ancestry to many parts of the world.
In the spirit of embracing and celebrating this diversity, the five-member Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau, led by Inspector Ricky Veerappan, is tasked with building bridges and developing partnerships with our diverse communities and educating our members about the many different cultures we serve.In partnership with the new Richmond Hill Welcome Centre and Citizenship and Immigration Canada, members were proud to host the Canadian Citizenship swearing-in ceremony for the eighth year in a row.Coinciding with the commemoration of the international Human Rights Day in December, 57 people from 22 countries were sworn in, becoming proud new Canadians. These ceremonies are unique opportunities for members of York Regional Police to play a special role in welcoming new Canadians while learning about the diverse cultures and religious beliefs of new residents.
Members of the Hate Crime Investigative Team also fall under the umbrella of this bureau, though the specially-trained investigators work out of District Headquarters across the region. In 2010, they investigated 105 reported cases of hate-motivated crime, 57 per cent of which were occurrences of mischief, including graffiti and other property damage. Members are also called upon as subject matter experts and lead numerous training initiatives internally and externally.
The Chaplaincy also falls under this bureau and consists of eight chaplains representing the five largest faith communities in York Region. Our Chaplains include Rabbi Mendel Kaplan, Reverend Vicki Cousins, Pastor Mansfield Edwards, Imam Abdul Hai Patel, Reverend Mavis Fung, Reverend Dr. Francis Mpindu, Reverend Canon Gregory Symmes and Father Damian Young-Sam-You.
York Regional Police continues to be committed to refl ecting the communities we serve and we are proud that our diversity rate within the service has reached 16 per cent, up from just six per cent in 2001.
Many officers are multilingual, speaking Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindu, Farsi, Urdu, Italian, Russian, Tagalog, Spanish, German, French, Korean and Sign Language among others.
Hard-working members attended, participated in or hosted more than 250 cultural events across the region in 2010.
Designated Hate Crime Investigation Team
York Regional Police takes pride in the strides made in the investigation of hate-motivated crime. We have a dedicated investigative unit and specially trained hate crime investigators at each District to assist officers in investigations where hate may have played a part. In 2009, York Regional Police officers investigated 76 reported cases of hate-motivated crime, a decrease of seven per cent from the previous year. A substantial improvement was noted in graffiti occurences, which saw a 44 per cent reduction.
What is a Hate/Bias Crime?
It is a criminal offence committed against a person or property which is motivated by the suspects' hate/bias or prejudice against an identifiable group or person based upon race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or other similar factor.
What is Hate Propaganda?
Hate propaganda is an offence in which genocide is advocated, or the hate of an identifiable group is publicly communicated. An identifiable group is defined by race, colour, religion or ethnicity.
When should I report a Hate/Biased Crime?
-
When you feel threatened, have been assaulted or harassed
-
When your property has been damaged
-
When you have witnessed a Hate/Biased Crime
AND
When should I report a Hate/Biased Crime?
Victims of Hate/Bias crimes are targeted simply because of who they are. Trauma extends beyond the obvious physical and emotional inflictions. Victims may be reluctant to report these crimes for numerous reasons. They may fear reprisals, they may fear for their safety. York Regional Police encourages members of the public to report Hate/Bias Crimes, whether they are a victim, or have witnessed a Hate/Biased Crime.
York Regional Police continues to work in partnership with its richly diverse communities. In response to our growing diversity and our intolerance of Hate/Bias crimes in March 2001, we established a Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau.
The Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau liaises with community groups, monitors Hate/Bias crime investigations and avails themselves to officers seeking expertise.
It is the responsibility of all of us to stop Hate/Bias crimes. Encourage anyone you know who has been victimized to report the crime. If you have been the victim of a Hate/Biased crime yourself, report it. Our collective intolerance of Hate/Biased crimes is a clear message to anyone harboring such fanaticism that it will not be tolerated.
