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Security Services Review

Overview

In February 2022, York University formed an internal expert panel to undertake a review of its security services and to develop an alternative security services model for the University.  

The security services review emerged in response to a long history of concerns from equity-deserving groups about security activity at York University, including feelings of racial discrimination and harassment, shared experiences of racial profiling and surveillance on campus and general lack of support.  In response, York released its Action Plan on Black inclusion: A Living Document for Action in December 2021 and identified a thorough review of York’s security services as a commitment and action.  

Following a one-year review period, York’s internal expert panel completed its review of the University’s security services and provided a number of recommendations to transition York to an alternative security services model.  

Read the report now:

  • Summary Report EN|FR
  • Full Report EN|FR

What's next

Year 2 recommendations to be implemented

Using data to measure success

  • Race-related data collection and other research to monitor for bias
  • Report on hate activity
  • Fully implement tools needed to measure, address gaps, and report on representation of York Security Services staff
  • Address gaps in representation with equity-focused recruitment, selection, and promotion measures, such as revising job descriptions to include the value of equity-deserving group identity and experience
  • Create a dedicated position to coordinate response to individuals experiencing homelessness

Address ongoing issues of anti-racism and incorporate DEDI

  • Develop a dedicated standard operating procedure and accompanying training to prevent racial profiling in safety operations and activities
  • Incorporate anti-racial profiling elements in all relevant practices and standard operating procedure
  • Consider specialized Call Centre staff
  • Review communication and information sharing practices

Other community-focused actions

  • Incorporate non-uniformed responses to calls
  • Build sufficient community engagement expertise and capacity
  • Include neighbouring communities to York campuses in community engagement

Project Governance

To move forward with implementation of the recommendations, York has established a suite of committees who will be jointly responsible for developing a multi-year action plan.

Sponsorship Committee – Provides high-level oversight, ensures institutional support, addresses barriers and challenges, makes key decisions and provides quarterly updates to the President Vice-Presidents (PVP) on progress in accordance with the mandate received by the President on receipt of the Security Services Report.

Implementation Committee– Manages the project, coordinates change initiatives, facilitates communication between committees, provides expertise, and reports to the Sponsorship Committee.

Advisory Group – Provides strategic advice on action planning and change implementation.

  • Comprised of York University academics, staff and students with expertise on Anti-Black racism, racial profiling, diversity, inclusion, intersectionality, social justice, and policing/security, and lived experience.

Working Sub-Committees – Focus on specific change initiatives related to key recommendations.

  • Key stakeholders to specific change initiatives, such as York University administrative units.
  • Will support identification of practical change initiatives and advise on and undertake implementation.

The task force will be supported by the executive director of community safety and an advisory committee who will be holding several consultation sessions with individuals, groups and the broader community to gather feedback and inform implementation..

Throughout the process, the review’s co-sponsors will keep the community apprised of progress and key milestones, including the composition of the working group and upcoming engagement opportunities.

Quick Links

We want to hear from you

You can contact any member of the Security Services Review team at securityreview@yorku.ca

Engagement Opportunities