Formed in 1990, the Toronto Police "Crime Waves" Dragon Boat Team is comprised of uniform, civilian and volunteer (Auxiliary) members of the Toronto Police Service. The Toronto Police Dragon Boat Team is the only multiple-regatta police dragon boat team in Ontario, travelling to regattas all over Southern Ontario, Quebec and the United States. Participation at practices and competitions require a commitment of many off-duty hours each season.

Each dragon boat team consists of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a helmsman. The team paddles a 1300 pound, 40 foot long Chinese canoe through a grueling 500 or 640 metre course. Due to work schedules, personal commitments and the long competition season, it actually requires more than 40 dedicated members to enter a 22 member team for each regatta.

The Toronto Police Dragon Boat Team has been extremely successful since the first year of competition; consistently placing top 25, and more often top 10, at each regatta.

911 Dragon Boat Challenge

On September 25, 1994, the Toronto Police Dragon Boat Team hosted the first annual 911 Dragon Boat Challenge at Exhibition Place waterfront. The event was organized to promote the sport of dragon boat racing and fraternity amongst emergency service employees while raising money for charity. Teams representing the Toronto Fire Department, London Police Service, Mount Sinai Hospital, Royal Bank and of course, Toronto Police Service were present. The 911 Dragon Boat Challenge was a great success, with over $2,500 in pledges being raised for the Children's Wish Foundation.

The competition has continued to expand since its inception. In 1995, 27 teams participated, raising over $27,000 to benefit the Children's Wish Foundation.

The Canadian Living Foundation, Breakfast for Learning Program received over $34,000 in 1996 and over $43,000 in 1997. The Canadian Spinal Research Organization benefited in 1998 and 1999.

The main commitment of the Toronto Police Dragon Boat Team is to form partnerships with the community we serve through friendly competition and community service. Over the years, in addition to founding "The 911", the team has raised money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, participated in various charity regattas and mentored young people through sports activities.