As youth violence spikes, Peel police double down on employment program

Conversely, the more violent crimes — including assault, uttering threats, sexual violations, robberies and homicides — committed by youth increased 9 percent between 2017 and 2018, from 861 to 938 violations. There was a similar increase between 2016 and 2017.

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The Peel Police Services Board has approved $24,000 to hire five more youth as part of a summer program aimed at turning at-risk young people toward a more positive path in life.

The eight-week Youth in Policing Initiative will give 25 teens a chance to get mentoring and encouragement to think about policing as a career choice.

It’s the second year the board has topped up funding for the provincial program, following a rise in violent crime perpetrated by young offenders.

Published on May 1, 2019 in The Pointer - Brampton