DRPS Hosts 18th Annual Ripple Effect Youth Forum with 400 Youth Participants
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Youth in Policing (YIP) program held its 18th Annual Ripple Effect Youth Forum on July 24, 2025, with more than 400 youth from across Ontario participating, according to DRPS.
DRPS reported that youth participants attended from various communities, along with officers and staff from multiple public safety agencies across the province. The event was held to bring together young people and representatives from law enforcement agencies.
According to DRPS, DRPS Chief Peter Moreira opened the event with remarks. Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner addressed attendees, and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa provided a video message.
Speakers included Oscar Li, described by DRPS as a youth mentor and former YIP Coordinator, who shared his experiences with the program and community work. Leadership author Rick Denley spoke to the group, discussing facing challenges and serving the community, according to DRPS.
A panel of DRPS officers—Cst. Hannah Elkington, Cst. Matt Janes, Cst. Rui Ferreira, and Auxiliary Cst. Glen Harper—held a question-and-answer session about their roles, according to DRPS. DRPS stated that representatives from 13 other police and public safety agencies participated, including the police services of Belleville, Cornwall, Gananoque, Guelph, Halton Region, Hamilton, Kingston, North Bay, Ontario Provincial Police, Owen Sound, Smith Falls, Toronto, and Waterloo Region. DRPS also reported that 15 of its members and ministry staff attended.
Applications for the 2025-26 YIP Winter Initiative are open until August 25, 2025, according to DRPS.