Volunteer FAQ
Q: I require 40 hours of community service in order to graduate from high school. Am I able to complete all of these hours through the York Regional Police Volunteer program?
Q: What sort of volunteer programs does the York Regional Police currently have?
Q: I aspire to be a police officer in the future. How will the York Regional Police Volunteer program help me achieve this?
Q: I do not have a lot of time to volunteer. Am I still able to become a York Regional Police Volunteer?
Q: I am new to York Region and want to get involved in the community. How can I start volunteering with the York Regional Police?
Q: How long does it typically take to start volunteering?
Q: Does a family member have to be home during the home visit?
Q: Do volunteers ever get to work in the District doing office work?
Q: I require 40 hours of community service in order to graduate from high school. Am I able to complete all of these hours through the York Regional Police Volunteer program?
A: The York Regional Police Volunteer program cannot guarantee that you will be able to complete the minimum of 40 hours through its programs. Unlike other volunteer programs, the York Regional Police volunteer programs do not have a set weekly schedule. Special Event, Mascot, and Community Policing Centre volunteers sign up for events on an as-needed basis.
Groups such as the Youth Band, Venturers and Rovers meet on a regular weekly basis.
The earlier you enter the York Regional Police volunteer program, the more likely you are to complete the hours that you require. Because of the extensive background checks, it may take up to 4 months to be accepted and placed into the volunteer program
Q: What sort of volunteer programs does the York Regional Police currently have?
A: The York Regional Police has an assortment of programs that cater to many interests, abilities and ages. For a full list of York Regional Police volunteer groups and activities, please see the Become a Volunteer section.
Q: I aspire to be a police officer in the future. How will the York Regional Police Volunteer program help me achieve this?
A: The York Regional Police Volunteer program recruits for volunteers only. Being an active York Regional Police Volunteer allows you the opportunity to network with police officers and does not guarantee you a position within the organization. You will have the opportunity to meet many York Regional Police staff and community partners at events, provide a valuable service to the citizens of York Region and most importantly have fun!
Q: I do not have a lot of time to volunteer. Am I still able to become a York Regional Police Volunteer?
A: The York Regional Police Volunteer program requires a minimum one year commitment. For applicants with limited free-time, the Special Event group allows you to choose your own volunteer schedule, based on when you are available. The events do not follow a set schedule and they are hosted all throughout York Region.
Q: I am new to York Region and want to get involved in the community. How can I start volunteering with the York Regional Police?
A: The York Regional Police Volunteer programs are open to any citizen over 14 years of age who lives, works or attends school in York Region.
To start the process, please email Debbie Robinson at 5459@yrp.ca or Andrew Belanger at 5708@yrp.ca to obtain a volunteer application and background form.
Q: How long does it typically take to start volunteering?
A: Due to the length of the application process, it can take up to 4 months before being placed as a volunteer. The process involves completing a volunteer application form and background investigation form, attending an interview, reference checks, background checks, a home visit, swearing in and the placement.
If you have an immediate need to complete your high school community service hours, it is recommended that you contact www.yorkinfo.ca or www.charityvillage.ca to seek out other volunteer opportunities in York Region.
Q: Does a family member have to be home during the home visit?
A: A family member has to be home if the prospective volunteer is under 19 years of age. For all other volunteers, you are able to do the home visit without a family member present.
Q: Do volunteers ever get to work in the District doing office work?
A: No, this is a conflict of interest with our association as well as a risk management issue. The majority of events are community-based and involve the volunteer working with police officers and other volunteers to ensure the event or task is enjoyable for all participants.
