Member’s Statement: Policing, Vulnerable Persons Registry, & Three-Digit Non-Emergency Phone

October 28, 2025

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

TORONTO — Sheref Sabawy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga—Erin Mills made the following statement before the Ontario Legislature:

“Three weeks ago, I joined the Peel Regional Police for a ride-along where I saw first-hand the crucial work of Peel police officers, 911 operators and staff.

“In [the Community Safety Operation Centre], they showed me an important tool: the vulnerable persons registry, VPR. This is a voluntary registry that allows people to register loved ones who may have Alzheimer’s, autism or other mental conditions. Police then have the contact details and specific information about how to deal with those individuals, how to assist and how to locate those individuals should they go missing. I suggested that program three years ago, and I am thrilled to see it in action, with more than 1,400 people currently registered.

“Speaker, I am also happy to see Toronto police launching a new three-digit, non-emergency phone number. Residents of Toronto can call *877 from a mobile phone and access the non-emergency line of Toronto police. I have long been advocating for this, and if this pilot project goes well, it will save millions of crucial minutes for 911 operators. I hope to see this roll out in other jurisdictions across Ontario.

“Speaker, I know that any form of violent crime is too much. That’s why we must continue to support men and women in uniform.

“I would like to thank the amazing officers at Peel Regional Police.”