Supporting Local Students, One Backpack at a Time
We are once again challenging the community to take part in our eighth annual Backpack Challenge.
The Backpack Challenge encourages businesses and residents to purchase new backpacks, lunch bags, school supplies, or gift cards to be donated to children and families in need throughout Waterloo Region.
More than 22,500 backpacks have been collected over the past seven years, along with thousands of dollars in gift cards and school supplies. Last year, all the items were donated to families directly as well as through more than 20 child and youth organizations throughout Waterloo Region to ensure they have an exciting back-to-school experience and are prepared for the year ahead.
“The generosity of the community never fails to inspire us,” said Mark Crowell, Chief of Police. “By working together, we can ensure that every child in Waterloo Region starts the school year with the tools they need to succeed.”
The Backpack Challenge runs until August 12, 2025. All donations will be delivered to community organizations throughout Waterloo Region.
Read more
|
|
|---|
|
WRPS 2024 Annual Report Released |
|
|---|
|
Last month, we were proud to release our 2024 Annual Report.
The report outlines service demands, an overview of the work carried out by our specialized units, and our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all residents in Waterloo Region.
|
|
|---|
|
Our Website Has a New Look
On June 18, 2025, we launched a new website. We invite you to explore the new and improved website (www.wrps.ca) designed to serve you better with easier navigation, updated content, and a fresh new look. |
|
|---|
|
Turning Dreams into Reality
From childhood dreams to reality, our newest officers are a reminder that big dreams can come true.
Check out our latest reel below. |
|
|---|
|
|
Bauer's Journey
Behind every police dog is a dedicated handler and hours of training. Take a look inside the early stages of police canine training at WRPS.
|
|
|---|
|
Chief for a Day Winners Report for Duty
On June 10, 2025, we welcomed three "new" members to WRPS, Chief Taha, Deputy Chief Olivia, and Deputy Chief Arnav, for our Chief for a Day event.
Check out our highlight reel below of their day visiting our senior leaders and our Traffic, Emergency Response, Canine, Communications, and Forensic Identification Units.
|
|
|---|
|
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Blitz |
|
|---|
|
On June 25 and 26, 2025, we hosted a Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Blitz in Cambridge.
Police and Ministry inspectors from across southwestern Ontario teamed up to ensure commercial vehicle drivers are operating safe and legal vehicles. |
|
|---|
|
WRPS Chorus Members Receive King Charles III Coronation Medal |
|
|---|
|
Three members of the WRPS Chorus, Carlo Perrotta, John Black, and Robert Brown, were honoured to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal. They received their medals at the annual chorus inspection on June 3, 2025. |
|
|---|
|
|
Grand River Motorcycle Ride for Dad
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 25th annual Grand River Motorcycle Ride for Dad on June 7, 2025. This year, 452 riders came together to raise over $122,000 in support of prostate cancer research and treatment.
We’re also grateful to the dozens of WRPS members and auxiliary officers who volunteered their time to help keep everyone safe along the route.
|
|
|---|
|
|
On June 14, 2025, members had a great time celebrating Woolwich Pride in Elmira. Thank you
for having us. |
|
|
|
On June 14, young cyclists and WRPS' Auxiliary members had a blast at Westside Presbyterian's Bike Rodeo in Cambridge. |
|
|
|
|
On June 15, 2025, members gathered at the
MADD Canada victim memorial event to honour and remember those lost due to impaired driving. |
|
|
|
On June 19, 2025, we were honoured to join Serving with Pride and fellow first responders from across Waterloo Region at the Spectrum Gala. |
|
|
|
|
On June 22, 2025, members participated in a Dragon Dance with the Waterloo Region Chinese Canadian Association at the 58th annual KW Multicultural Festival. |
|
|
|
We were honoured to attend the Ode'imin Giizis: Healing Through UNITY Traditional Powwow.
Thank you for sharing such a meaningful celebration with us. |
|
|
|
|
On June 22, 2025, WRPS and Guelph Police Service attended the BAPS Shri Swaminarayn Madir in Cambridge for the annual BAPS Charities walk/run. |
|
|
|
On June 23, 2025, the WRPS Ceremonial Band had the pleasure of performing for residents at Heritage Meadows. |
|
|
|
|
Two Wanted Males Arrested and Drugs Seized in Cambridge |
|
|---|
|
On June 12, 2025, members located and arrested two wanted individuals in the Preston area of Cambridge.
Subsequently, a warrant was completed on June 13, 2025, at a residence on King Street East in Cambridge.
Officers seized drugs, including suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, and hydromorphone. Weapons, such as an improvised conducted energy weapon (CEW), a replica rifle, and pepper spray were also seized.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
Liquor Licence and Control Act Investigation in Cambridge
|
|
|---|
|
On June 14, 2025, members completed a search warrant in the area of Victoria Street North and St. Leger Street in Kitchener.
Officers seized several bottles and cases of liquor as part of the investigation into an unlawful “after-hours” premises.
As a result, a 40-year-old male was charged with multiple offences.
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
Read about more of our latest investigations:
|
|
|---|
|
We are looking for talented, compassionate, and caring individuals who want a career that makes a positive difference every single day.
Current opportunities:
|
|
|---|
|
This month's question:
What was the total number of charges laid by WRPS' Robbery Unit in 2024? |
|
|---|
|
Submit your answer for a chance to win a WRPS prize. |
|
|---|
|
Congratulations to Terri C., the winner of last month's trivia question.
Last month's question: What was the number one call type received through online reporting in 2024?
Answer: Theft Under $5,000.
Please email us at publicinfo@wrps.on.ca to claim your prize.
|
|
|---|
|
On June 9, 2025, we had a #shellebrity stop by for a visit. Perhaps he was looking for the shellblock? |
|
|---|
|
Click the image below to watch our recruits try the Foot Pursuit Challenge. |
|
|---|
|
The Waterloo Regional Police Service is committed to enhancing communication and engagement with the community - so get social with us:
|
|
This e-mail is sent from publicinfo@wrps.on.ca, an authorized send-only WRPS email, and is intended for registered recipients only. Any unauthorized reproduction, modification and/or publication is prohibited and may be unlawful. The WRPS name (including “WRPS Express”), logo, crest and content is subject to copyright. If you are not the intended recipient or, if you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately at publicinfo@wrps.on.ca. You may unsubscribe by clicking on that option at anytime. |
|
| |
|
|
|
