As the end of the 20th Century approached, our Service became aware of the potential for computer problems related to the rollover into the year 2000. In a nutshell, the problem revolved around the inability of older computers and some programming to correctly read dates from midnight January 1st, 2000, onward. Early in 1999, the "Year 2000 Preparedness Task Force" was formed. Their mandate was to ensure an acceptable level of police service was maintained through and beyond the rollover date of 2000.01.01.

More than 100 person-years of work were invested to make sure the Service's systems, particularly those most crucial to front-line operations, would be free of Year 2000 related disruptions. The Task Force also became responsible for the creation of a plan by which the TPS could continue to provide service during any serious incident, including those related to Y2K.

These "living plans" were created with input and co-operation from every unit of the Service. They provide a means for all units to continue to be operational during disasters, large-scale emergencies and infrastructure failures (electricity, telephones, water, gas, etc.).

Included in this plan, emergency refuelling protocols were developed, and portable emergency backup generators with their related equipment were acquired and deployed. The Task Force spearheaded the creation of co-operative plans and protocols with other police and emergency service organizations as well as public services such as Ontario Power Generation and Toronto Hydro. It created and operated a Police Command Centre, and developed staffing plans for the New Year period.

An important element of this work was the involvement of many outside organizations, both private and public. Amateur radio operators, public transit, banking organizations, building managers, government agencies at all levels, public utilities, petroleum producers and suppliers and the media are a few examples of the organizations providing support to the Y2K preparedness process.

As a result of the extensive efforts of the task force, Y2K issues that actually surfaced on the rollover date proved minor. However, the work of the Task Force has resulted in a long-term state of readiness for virtually any contingency that might impact on the ability of the Toronto Police Service to continue to deliver its core services.