Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has identified two key issues that it needs to work upon—how to handle mental health calls and de-escalation training.
“Also emerging as a major issue is police response to mental health calls and the need for better de-escalation training,” said a statement issued after a recent Police Services Board (PSB) meeting [see below].
Meanwhile, the Durham Regional Council confirmed the actionable steps being taking to address anti-Black racism, diversity and inclusion by approving Anti-Black Racism Town Hall and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Follow-Up.
The steps are a follow-up to the anti-Black racism town hall that was held on August 6.
To ensure a strong and unified focus, the first step will be to establish a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division. The establishment of this division—with well-defined deliverables—will ensure regional staff are appropriately equipped, structured and supported to affect change on systemic racism.
Reporting into the Chief Administrative Officer, this new team will:
- Ensure a dedicated focus; enable staff to undertake broader community-facing activities; and provide co-ordination and structure to existing diversity, equity, inclusion and community development functions.
- Create clear accountabilities for both internal and external stakeholders; ensuring alignment when addressing racism, discrimination, prevention, identification and removal of barriers.
- Create an Equity and Inclusion Charter for Durham Region; work with community members to develop and deliver mutually beneficial strategies and solutions.
- Establish an Anti-Racism Task Force, with an initial focus on anti-Black racism. As a committee of Regional Council, this group will co-ordinate interdepartmental efforts to address systemic racism and promote community development.
- Co-ordinate cultural competency training for staff and council members.
- Continually champion anti-racism initiatives: internally and within the community.
“The actionable steps outlined in this report show our commitment to addressing anti-Black racism and prejudice in Durham Region. We acknowledge there is work to be done to affect change on systemic racism. I understand that words are not enough. We will stand together to ensure our policies and programs are built on equity and opportunity. These actions are a first step in helping us make Durham Region a more welcoming and inclusive place to live and grow,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Durham Region.
Quick Facts
- About 7,000 people joined the anti-Black racism town hall to listen, engage and understand concerns.
- The full video recording and transcript of the event was posted online so that community members who were unable to attend could review the event.
- These initiatives support the Community Vitality priority within the Durham Region Strategic Plan.
DRPS Action Plan
The Durham Regional Police Services Board announced it is developing an action plan for combating systemic racism and enhancing trust and confidence in the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS).
The seven-member board held a special board meeting via Microsoft Teams on October 29, to review an outline of the action plan and will review the final draft at its November 16, 2020 meeting. The board acknowledges the present and historical events that have contributed to the erosion of public trust and confidence in policing. Also emerging as a major issue is police response to mental health calls and the need for better de-escalation training.
Prior to finalizing the plan of action, the Board will be conducting community consultations to ensure the priorities reflect the community’s priorities and experiences. Members of the DRPS will also be consulted and both police associations will be approached for input.
The board’s action plan will have several components:
* Enhancing Transparency in Decision-Making, including community consultations, strengthening policies, publishing discipline reports when legally possible, and adopting body-worn cameras
* Improving Diversity and Inclusion Practices, including renewed efforts to educate and train employees in anti-racism approaches; improving processes for recruitment and promotion and ensuring a commitment to diversity and equity is a mandated assessment in the future hiring of all deputy chiefs and chiefs
* Strengthening Service Delivery Related to Mental Health, including an expansion of mobile crisis response teams and improving training for members
* Supporting the Equity and Inclusion Plan and the Chief’s Four Point Plan to address systemic barriers at the DRPS.
Meanwhile, progress is being made on the four-point plan introduced by the DRPS to address systemic barriers. Plans are well underway to begin race-based data collection in 2021 after training has been rolled out. Members of the police service’s Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) have been asked to participate in future interview panels to provide input on the candidates the DRPS is hiring.
The service is also researching the best Bystander Training available and how it will be implemented, beginning in 2021. A new organizational census will be circulated internally in a few weeks to help better understand the current level of diversity in the Service.
All of the reports on these issues are available on the PSB website under the Meeting Calendar (see the Oct. 29, 2020 meeting) here.
Interim Deputy Chief of Police
The Durham Regional Police Services Board also announced the appointment of Superintendent Joe Maiorano as Interim Deputy Chief of Police, effective October 26, 2020.
“Deputy Chief Maiorano’s skill and leadership has earned him the confidence of the Board to serve in this role,” stated Kevin Ashe, Chair of the Police Services Board. “His knowledge and experience will bring additional strength and stability to the Command team.”
Deputy Chief Maiorano began as a constable with the DRPS in 1990. Over the course of his career, he has gained significant operational and administrative experience and has led numerous high profile project teams to successful outcomes. He was promoted to the rank of Inspector in 2010 and to the rank of Superintendent in 2012, and has served as the President of the Senior Officers Association and is a member of the Board of Victim Services of Durham Region. He earned a Masters degree in Business Administration from Queen’s University.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and support all DRPS members as Interim Deputy Chief of Police,” said Deputy Chief Maiorano. “There are many challenges and opportunities on the horizon and I am eager to be a part of the Command team and help propel the DRPS to new levels of success.”
The Durham Regional Police Services Board is the civilian governing body of the Police Service. Its responsibilities include establishing objectives for policing in consultation with the Chief of the Police, setting policies for the effective management of the Police Service, and hiring and monitoring the performance of the Chief of Police. The Board consists of seven members, three appointed by the Province of Ontario and four chosen by Regional Council.
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