Hometown: Markham, Ontario
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Wilfrid Laurier University, Criminal Justice
Graduate Institution and Major: University of San Diego, Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership
Bio: Ricky joined York Regional Police in 2004, and throughout his 19-year career, he has served in various investigative, operational, and administrative roles. Ricky aspires to create positive transformation through social innovations to enhance public safety and inclusivity within the criminal justice profession.
Before becoming the Use of Force Coordinator for Canada's fifth-largest municipal police service, Ricky's past assignments have included the Criminal Investigations Bureau, Emergency Response Unit and Human Trafficking Section. In addition to leading complex criminal investigations, Ricky is responsible for analyzing, researching, and developing evidence-based training and procurement projects budgeted from $60,000 to $1 million. He also advises senior officials in organizational policy to address the impact of police-citizen interactions, racial and ethnic disparities, and response to critical incidents.
Ricky believes in an integrated strategy to collaborate with community partners to promote public safety. He frequently speaks on a victim-centric approach to end human trafficking at various local and provincial forums to law enforcement, community partners, and stakeholders. In addition to his professional commitment, Ricky is actively engaged and dedicated to studying leadership competencies, crisis performance management, human error, criminal justice reform, and risk mitigation.
Relevant Professional Experience: Ontario Tactical Advisory Body – Tactical Team Leader, Ontario Police College – Major Case Management, Gracie University – Gracie Survival Tactics Level II Instructor.
Research Interests: Examining police officers' performance during violent encounters to develop training and management models to mitigate human error that violates citizens' rights and erodes public trust.
Volunteer Activities: The Cross-Cultural Community Services Association. Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation