York Regional Police officer will speak at Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity Symposium

YorkRegion.com
April 9, 2015
Chris Traber

York Regional Police serves a microcosm of the world, Insp. Ricky Veerappan said.

“We’re policing a global community,” the force’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bureau lead said of our region’s citizenry, which, according to 2011 Statistics Canada data, is the most ethno-culturally diverse in all of Canada.

The 27-year police veteran and longtime York resident knows of what he speaks.

Our growing population increasingly has more newcomers — four of 10 residents are immigrants. Beyond the slight Christian majority, 12 different recognized faiths are practised in York. And while more than 83 per cent of us use English, we are a multilingual network of nine municipalities communicating in dozens of different languages.

The recent immigrant population is growing at a much faster rate than the non-immigrant population, stated recently published Community Snapshots: Recent Immigrants Living in York Region.  Between 1991 and 2001, the number of immigrants increased by 132 per cent, while the non-immigrant population increased by 31 per cent. This research, coupled with the fact recent immigrants tend to be of prime working and child bearing age, will influence the look and climate of York Region’s economy and communities, the report stated.

It’s an actuality that impacts how the personable Veerappan and his 11-member team and 21 staff hate crime investigation division serve the ever-changing face of our region.

Regrettably, intolerance exists.

Between 70 and 110 hate crime reports are investigated each year, the inspector said, adding hate crimes remain under-reported in the region.

“It’s fueled by what is going on overseas,” he said. “Every time we see conflict escalation in the Middle East, for example, we see bias, prejudice and hate rise in our communities.

“We want to engage our communities on how to better serve them.”

On April 28, the inspector will do precisely that. He will facilitate a workshop, Policing a Microcosm of the World, during the first of two days of information sessions at the second Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity Symposium in Richmond Hill.

Hosted bi-annually by the Community Inclusivity Equity Council of York Region, the event, concluding April 30 with a dignitary-populated award and fundraising gala, the event explores the theme of truth, reconciliation and engagement within the context of the South African experience and the current parallel process underway by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Veerappan, a presenter at the inaugural 2013 symposium, is enthused at the prospect of participating again.

“The symposium is an opportunity to collectively showcase York Region as a wonderful destination for families and businesses and all the work we do together,” he said. “It’s great for service providers as a means to showcase the work they do toward equity, diversity and inclusion.”

The workshops will also identify areas and methodologies for improvement, he said.

“Diversity is dynamic and fluid,” Veerappan said. “We all need to anticipate trends and adapt.”

The inspector’s workshop at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel in Richmond Hill will focus on his bureau’s initiatives and unique challenges. He will outline how the department partners with the region’s diverse communities to highlight and celebrate cultural heritage and promote community confidence and trust through relationship building. Attendees will learn how all York Region Police members are trained in key areas, including human rights, diversity, hate crime investigation and community relations.

Sensitivity and understanding of the traditions, customs and mindset of those they serve, many of whom arrive from trauma, is essential, he said. Officers are sensitized to the spiritual and religious diversity of our communities.

There are more than 200 different places of worship in York Region, he noted. Since 2007, the force takes all new officers on a places of worship tour.

“We connect recruits with religious leaders toward instilling a deeper understanding and appreciation of different faiths,” he said.

York Regional Police will have a significant presence at the three-day event. In addition to Veerappan’s workshop, special victims unit detectives Gary McBride and Richard Gaudet will facilitate two sessions focusing on crimes against children and Internet child exploitation.

At the closing gala, York Region Police Chief Eric Jolliffe will receive the Person in York Region award. He will be recognized for expanding the bureau and its important work, including extensive community engagement and creating opportunities for learning and understanding of all ethno-cultural, religious, marginalized and vulnerable communities toward the building and maintenance of a safe, welcoming and inclusive community.

The ranging workshops will benefit all organizations committed to equity and inclusion in our region and beyond, Veerappan said.

“Everyone will get something important out of the symposium,” he said.

SIDEBAR
For workshop information and event registration, visit ciecyr.ca.