About COYO
The Committee of Youth Officers for the Province of Ontario (COYO) was formed in 1979 at the Ontario Police College, as an association of police officers dedicated to the collection and dissemination of child/youth crime and protection information.
Since 1979 our committee has grown and expanded to include representatives from numerous police services, youth services workers, educators from various school boards, Ministry representatives from Child and Youth Services, Community Safety and Correctional Services and Education and youth workers from the private sector.
Our main objectives are:
- to promote a closer liaison on youth issues between our members’ respective organizations on youth issues;
- to promote the exchange of information and best practices between youth officers in Ontario; and
- to enhance and promote closer working relationships between police, educators and youth service workers (in the government and private sector) and to act as a resource to government agencies that have a mandate to protect "at-risk youth".
Our committee is comprised of "youth officers" from various occupations and we continue to work towards improving the quality of life for Ontario's youth.
COYO Conference
The Committee is comprised of youth serving police officers from Ontario Police Services as well as representatives from the probation, private sector youth organizations, instructional/training facilities and various school boards. This collaboration of professionals seeks to educate those involved in serving at risk youth and explores youth related issues in an inclusive manner so that youth crime trends, potential legislative changes, and service delivery options are considered.
Each year, the COYO holds an annual conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and brings together over 500 participants from policing, education, probation and other youth related services. The conference is held annually in February at the Sheraton on the Falls.
The COYO conference is recognized within the law enforcement community as the leading event of its type in Canada. It provides participants with a venue to network and exchange best practice information as well as hear from leading experts in child/youth development, threat assessment, aggression, and program delivery.
