Humber Polytechnic students have a unique opportunity to give back to the community while gaining insight into law enforcement careers thanks to a partnership with Toronto Police Service and Scouts Canada.
The 22 Division Toronto Police Service Rover Crew is a joint program between the three organizations that began in 2003.
A total of 32 new members were formally welcomed into the group during the 22 Division Toronto Police Service Rover Crew Annual Investiture on March 23 at the Toronto Police College.
Rovers are the Scouting designation for young people aged 18 to 26 years old. The program is designed to prepare participants for the future by encouraging them to give back to the community while also giving them insight into the law enforcement field. Those who join are Humber students taking a program in the Faculty of Social and Community Services including Police Foundations, Protection, Security and Investigation and the Bachelor of Social Science - Criminal Justice.
Diego Lino and Ayla Dembinski are both first-year Police Foundations students who joined the Rovers. Both are hoping to start careers as law enforcement officers and felt joining the Rovers would help them reach their goals.
Dembinski was enrolled at a different post-secondary school for Criminology, but made the transfer to Humber, in part, because of the Rovers opportunity. Dembinski added that her interest all along was a career in policing and has been enjoying Humber's program as it's preparing her for the career she wants.
The two students have attended various community events through the Rovers, including the Santa Claus and St. Patrick's Day parades in Toronto. They've also gone on tours of police colleges and have had opportunities to network with those working in law enforcement and recruiters.
"I'm really loving it and it's great being around the officers because you can see they love their jobs and it's so inspiring," said Dembinski. "It's good being able to see what the job will look like before we start."
Lino has been encouraging his peers at Humber to consider the Rovers as he's found it valuable.
"I was telling everyone in class what a great opportunity it is and now they're all waiting until the window opens up so they can apply," he said. "If you're interested in policing, I would strongly recommend you join."
Scott Walker, group commissioner with the 22 Division Toronto Police Service Rover Crew, said they have 72 members in total and 32 of them are in their first year with the crew. The crew has attended 122 events and volunteered 4,413 hours since September 2025.
"From city parades, to PREP sessions at the Toronto Police College, to the Daily Bread Food Bank and other community events, and two offer of service camps, the members have truly embraced what it means to give back," said Walker.
He noted that, in the past year, 10 current and former members of the Rover Crew have been successful in their journey toward becoming law enforcement professionals. Four are already police constables.
Jastina Gill, a first-year student in the Protection, Security and Investigation program, said participating in the Rovers has confirmed that a career in law enforcement is what she wants. A friend from her class also joined, making the experience that much more enjoyable.
"It's been amazing to learn more about policing while volunteering and serving the community," said Gill. "Joining seemed like a great opportunity."
The students also have volunteering shifts at the Daily Bread Food Bank and Gill likes supporting an organization that cares so much for the community.
Even the drilling, or marching, has been a great experience.
"It's awesome to see the way people enjoy it, and I think it's a really valuable experience that will help us grow and stand out during the recruitment process," said Gill.
Find out more by visiting the 22 Division Toronto Police Service Rover Crew program website.
