Chief Jim MacSween returns to Policing TV to spotlight two major innovations at York Regional Police: a pioneering Human Rights Classroom for children and a five-stream leadership program built with the Schulich School of Business. He explains why teaching human rights to every primary school child and investing early in leadership for all staff – sworn and civilian – is, in his view, real crime prevention. As he prepares to retire, MacSween reflects on building a “People First” culture and why he feels confident handing the baton to the next generation of leaders.
Key Takeaways
- York Regional Police run a Community Safety Village where all local primary schools receive annual safety and citizenship lessons.
- At its heart is a unique Human Rights Classroom, created with the municipality, York University and the United Nations.
- Lessons focus on human rights, respect, dignity and understanding different cultures to counter hate crime and hate incidents.
- MacSween argues that education and awareness with young people is some of the “best crime prevention” policing can deliver.
- York Regional Police deliberately “police through the lens of human rights” as a way to guide decisions and build trust.
- A five-stream leadership program with the Schulich School of Business develops leadership skills for all members, not just officers.
- The program lets staff start a formal leadership journey from early in their careers, reinforcing the “People First” philosophy.
- Seeing strong future leaders in place is a key reason MacSween feels ready to step aside and pass on the torch.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & MacSween’s return to Policing TV
00:59 – Inside York’s Community Safety Village
02:00 – Creating a Human Rights Classroom for kids
03:16 – Policing with a global, human-rights mindset
05:10 – Why education is serious crime prevention
05:38 – Building a five-stream leadership program
07:07 – Leadership for officers and civilian staff
10:18 – Passing the torch: is York ready?
11:33 – Pride in the team and final reflections
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