Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair and Deputy Chief Kim Derry inducted a new group of Toronto Police Service (TPS) 22 Division Rovers in a ceremony at Toronto police headquarters last month.

Derry is an executive commissioner with Scouts Canada.

Now there are 56 Rovers.

"Rovers incorporates the core values of scouting and the Toronto Police Service: integrity, honesty, duty, wearing a uniform with pride and working in the community. I wouldn't be where I am today without it," said rookie 22 Division Const. Kevin Ward, a long-time member of Scouts Canada.

Ward spearheaded the establishment of the Rovers as a Humber College police foundations student in 2003.

He now works as a primary response unit officer with the south-central Etobicoke police division.

Rovers is a partnership among the Toronto Police Service, Scouts Canada and Humber College.

Crew members wear a distinctive uniform that combines elements from Scouts Canada and TPS.

The Rover crew work with police officers at RIDE programs, on the local Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade, and at various police-community events like litter clean-up days, and the division's annual open house.

Rovers also gain exposure to real-life police work.

Rovers are adopted by Toronto police divisions, exposing them to community response and traffic units, the day-to-day operations of a police station, as well as to forensics, communications and tours and lectures given by Emergency Task Force officers.

"They experience day-to-day police work so they can ask themselves, 'Is this what I want to do with the rest of my life?'" Insp. Debra Preston of 22 Division said.

"Some may decide to pursue a career in another area of law enforcement."