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
• 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"

Recently our committee incorporated the concept of education into our logo to emphasize the importance that education plays in addressing the issues of "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.

The Bud Knight Award is also an integral component of our efforts to improve youth service delivery in Ontario. It was created in 1990 in recognition of the career of Herbert R. (Bud) Knight, an instructor at the Ontario Police College (OPC). Bud Knight created a youth officer course at the OPC, and over the years exhibited outstanding dedication and commitment to training youth officers throughout the province. He was also instrumental in creating the Committee of Youth Officers for the Province of Ontario.

The Bud Knight Award is presented annually to a police officer in Ontario demonstrating outstanding commitment to youth in their community. Officer's contributions include both on and off duty achievements. The award is presented each year at our conference. Find out more...

To reflect our diverse membership the Committee of Youth Officers for the Province of Ontario will have an annual “Community Award for Youth Service”. This award will be presented at our annual conference to recognize a person who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to youth in the community.

The Committee of Youth Officers will donate, on behalf of the award recipient, $1,000 to a youth service charity of their choice. Find out more...

The Outstanding Youth Service Award is an award that is dedicated to recognizing the work and contributions of a young person who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to his or her peers by advocating for and taking action on youth issues in the community. Find out more...