The York Regional Police Summer Student Employment Program continues to provide opportunities for youth by offering positions within the organization to college and university students for summer jobs.

In its ninth year, the program is a learning opportunity for students to experience what it is like to work in a policing environment.

This summer the department has welcomed 16 students from various educational institutions, each one bringing with them a diverse course of study and an unparalleled enthusiasm for learning.

The students are working in different areas of policing, including planning and research, finance, information management, quality assurance, forensics, corporate communications, traffic, community services, organized crime, uniform recruiting and technical support.

Wannie Wong and Stefanie Laurella are two examples of how this program provides youth with advanced learning opportunities and real life employment skills.

Wong will be entering her third year at University of Guelph-Humber in September. She is working toward her Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in justice studies and a Diploma in police foundations. She is spending the summer in the Planning and Research Bureau, assisting in the development of the 2011-2013 Business Plan. She hopes to complete her degree and use her experience with York Regional Police by joining as a uniformed member upon the completion of her schooling.

Laurella is a returning student, spending her second summer in the Corporate Communications Bureau. Her tasks include assisting with various publications, capturing current television news clips and assisting with photo shoots.

Stefanie has an interest in crime analysis and use of data and statistics to assist with policing initiatives.

She is a graduate of Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in criminal justice and business law.

She is continuing her studies in September with an Applied Arts Degree in paralegal studies at Humber College and is happy to return to Corporate Communications.

“This program has been an overwhelming success and it has been of great benefits to the student and to our police service. Some of the students have returned to York Regional Police as police officers and civilian employees,” said Chief Armand La Barge.

“They have made outstanding contributions to our service while learning about the profession of policing. We’re proud to have these young adults on board and part of our team.”

For more information about future summer student employment opportunities or full-time civilian employment with York Regional Police, visit the Web site at www.yrp.ca and click on

Recruiting” or contact York Regional Police Human Resources at 1-866-876- 5423, ext. 7965.