Adequacy Standards
Auxiliaries And Volunteers Policy

Policy Nos. 63 & 64
Effective Date: July 26, 2000
Effective Date: March 27, 2002
Policy No: 03/02

Policy Statement

The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board (“the Board”) recognizes that auxiliaries and volunteers are special people who have chosen to devote their time, energy, skill and expertise to the York Regional Police.  The Board values their generous contributions to the organization and applauds their personal commitment to share responsibility for public safety and quality of life in York Region.
 
Furthermore, the Board recognizes the profound influence that volunteering can have on both the individuals and the organization.  Through citizen involvement, attitudes can change, awareness is created and understanding is enhanced.  Working together, citizens and members of the York Regional Police can create partnerships grounded in mutual respect, trust, understanding and open communication.  

To this end, the Board has developed policy guidelines and procedures that support the York Regional Police in their efforts to encourage citizens in York Region to volunteer, and to sustain their interest and participation over the long-term.
 
Policy requirements set out in this document shall form part of the Police Services Board Policy Manual and the Chief of Police shall comply with these requirements in directing the York Regional Police.

1.     Purpose 

This Policy recognizes the contribution of auxiliaries and volunteers to the York Regional Police and provides a clear statement of the values, guiding principles and organization standards that are integral to sound volunteer management procedures. 

2.    Application and Scope

This policy applies to the Chief of Police and the Board.  

3.    Definitions

3.1     Auxiliaries refer to a member of a police service who has the authority of a police officer if he or she is accompanied or supervised by a police officer and is authorized to perform police duties by the Chief of Police (Section 52 (4)  Police Services Act).   

3.2     Volunteers refer to citizens in the community who devote their time, expertise and skills to the York Regional Police.   

4.    Policy Guidelines

The policy guidelines reflect the values, guiding principles and organization standards outlined in the Canadian Code For Volunteer Involvement prepared by Volunteer Canada, a national organization that promotes volunteerism across Canada.  They are designed to encourage the spirit of volunteerism within organizations like the York Regional Police.

  1. Values For Volunteer Involvement

    • Volunteer involvement is vital to a just and democratic society.

    • Volunteer involvement strengthens communities.

    • Volunteer involvement mutually benefits both the volunteer and the organization.

    • Volunteer involvement is based on relationships.

  2. Guiding Principles for Volunteer Involvement

    • Volunteer organizations recognize that volunteers are a vital human resource and will commit to the appropriate infrastructure to support volunteers.

    • Volunteers make a commitment and are accountable to the organization.

  3. Organization Standards for Volunteer Involvement

    • The boards of directors (i.e. the Board) and senior management (i.e. the York Regional Police) acknowledge and support the vital role of volunteers in achieving the organization’s purpose or mission.

    • Policies and procedures are adopted by the organization to provide a framework that defines and supports the involvement of volunteers.

    • A qualified person is designated to be responsible for the volunteer program.

    • A clearly communicated screening process is consistently applied.

    • Volunteer assignments address the purpose of the organization and involve volunteers in meaningful ways – reflecting their various abilities, needs and backgrounds.

    • Volunteer recruitment and selection reaches out to diverse sources of volunteers.

    • Volunteers receive an orientation to the organization, its policies and procedures, and receive training for their volunteer assignment.

    • Volunteers receive appropriate levels of supervision according to their task and are given regular opportunities to receive and give feedback.

    • Volunteers are welcomed and treated as valuable and integral members of the organization’s human resources.

    • The contributions of volunteers are regularly acknowledged with formal and informal recognition methods.

5.    Procedures

  1. The Chief of Police shall develop and maintain procedures that address the use of auxiliaries by the police service in accordance with the Police Services Act, the Adequacy Standards Regulation, and this policy. 

  2. The Chief of Police shall develop and maintain procedures that address the use of volunteers by the police service in accordance with this policy and the Adequacy Standards Regulation, including recruitment, screening, training and supervision. 

  3. The Chief of Police shall ensure that records are maintained relating to the use of auxiliaries and volunteers.

  4. The Chief of Police shall provide an annual report to the Board outlining the contribution of auxiliaries and volunteers and any issues and program initiatives pertaining to their use by the police service.

  5. The Chief of Police or designate shall participate in regular meetings of the Chief’s Community Council and report on any issues of concern to the Board.

  6. On behalf of the Board, the Executive Director shall participate in regular meetings of the Chief’s Community Council.

  7. The President of the Chief’s Community Council may be invited to meet with the Board through the Office of the Chair.    

  8. Members and staff of the Board are encouraged to attend all volunteer functions designed to honour auxiliaries and volunteers of the York Regional Police.  

Back to Adequacy Standards