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We believe that our employees are the most valuable resource. Our empowering work environment encourages innovation, participation, open communication and respect for the opinion of each staff member. We focus on developing our skills, processes and programs to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve. We lead by personal example and provide our people with the appropriate resources and training.
We understand and accept responsibilities and are accountable for our actions. Success through teamwork comes from a working partnership with our diverse communities. We are prepared to demonstrate courage and take a stand on important beliefs and ideals.
The Uniform Recruiting Unit is dedicated to serving the community by actively recruiting the highest calibre of candidates in the GTA.
One Recruit's Story
In a year where over 1,100 people applied to become a police officer, less than 70 individuals were selected to don the York Regional Police uniform. To ensure that only the best candidates are invited to join the York Regional Police team, candidates endure extensive testing, interviews and background checks. For Constable Frank Stones, the process was even more challenging because his mother was fighting cancer as he waited to hear whether or not his dream of becoming a police officer would come true.
“When Sergeant Phelps called to tell me that I had been hired, I immediately hung up the phone and exhaled for, what seemed like, the first time in months. The first thing I did was give my mother a hug and tell her that I had made it. It meant a lot to be able to share that moment with her and know that I was making her proud,” he says.
Constable Stone’s family had always been supportive of his dream to join York Regional Police. While he says that there were moments they feared for his safety and asked him to consider another profession, they threw their support behind him 100 per cent when they realized that being a police officer wasn’t just his childhood dream, it was his calling.
Although he grew up in Hamilton and Orillia, Constable Stones knew that York Region was where he wanted to pursue his policing career.
“It was important to me to work in a diverse community that was fast-paced and growing. It’s also a great place to live and work because it still allows me to be close to my family,” Constable Stones says.
Getting that initial phone call from Sergeant Phelps was just the beginning for Constable Stones. Along with his fellow recruits, he underwent months of intense training and studying.
For Constable Stones, one of the most memorable parts of his months at the Ontario Police College and at the York Regional Police training branch was the sense of teamwork that the recruits cultivated.
“It was incredible see how so many different personalities and learning styles could come together successfully. A strong bond developed between all of us and the training allowed us to develop a sense of trust that will serve us well in our careers,” he says.
Constable Stones has a degree in psychology from York University which he believes helped prepare him for the rigorous training process.
“York Regional Police really does exhaust all resources to ensure you get the best training possible. It’s a proud feeling to wear the crest because of all the challenges you’ve experienced along your journey.”
Now a patrol officer in #2 District, Constable Stones is excited to put his training to the test.
“What I love most about my job is that every day is different. Whether you are at a high-priority call or just talking with a citizen, you have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. There aren’t a lot of jobs that give you that sense of satisfaction at the end of every day,” he said.
With his mother now going through chemotherapy treatments and having just experienced the sudden and tragic loss of his sister, Constable Stones has a unique view on his career.
“My mother’s illness and the passing of my sister have changed the way I live and do my job. We all experience adversity but having people that can lift you up and help you along the way can make all the difference. My favourite quote has always been ‘Lift as you climb’ and I am even more committed now to making an impact on the lives of those around me,” he says.
When his cousin recently expressed an interest in pursuing a career in policing, Constable Stones had this to say: “Stay focused and never lose sight of the people and things that inspired you to become a police officer.”
For Constable Stones, the memory of his sister and fighting spirit of his mother will continue to inspire him as he moves forward in his policing career.
Past Recruiting Features
