Improving the system : Police policy and practice on sexual assualt against young women

The entire research process allowed the Youth Alliance to identify strengths, challenges and gaps in police policies and procedures and make recommendations for improvement, as outlined in this report. [...] It is the Youth Alliance’s hope that these recommendations will strengthen police responses to and collaboration with young women and all youth in Toronto, creating ripple effects to increase safety and quality of life of. [...] Youth inclusion initiatives of the Toronto Police Service The Youth Alliance identifi ed existing programs and bodies within the Toronto Police Service to engage young people in the broader community. [...] Both the committee and council work with communities to identify, prioritize and problem-solve policing issues by: “being proactive in community relations, crime prevention, education, mobilization, and communications initiatives”; “acting as a resource to the police and the community”; and “developing a strategic long-term vision through building knowledge, education, tolerance and understanding” [...] Its mandate is to “promote youth participation in and exposure to the work environment through diverse, educational and productive work assignments”; “enhance the link between the police and the neighbourhoods we serve by selecting youth refl ecting our culturally diverse city”; “provide a safe and positive employment opportunity over the summer months for youth”; and “promote the Toronto Police S