Hamilton Police Service
Decision INV-24-18: Inspector General of Policing finds Hamilton Police Service complied with the CSPA in response to calls for service
An investigation was conducted into a complaint alleging that the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) failed to take enforcement action after receiving information about alleged assaults and threats directed at the complainant at a shelter. The complaint was referred to the Inspector General by the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA).
After reviewing the Findings Report, the Inspector General concluded that the HPS and the Hamilton Police Service Board complied with the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 and provided reasonable police service delivery.
Outcome: Compliance with the CSPA and its regulations.
Decision Date: July 30, 2026
Decision INV-24-36: Inspector General finds Hamilton Police Service provided adequate and effective policing in the downtown core
A complaint was made to the Inspector General alleging that the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) had reduced patrol presence in Hamilton's downtown core, resulting in increased violent crime and unacceptable delays in answering and responding to 911 calls. The complaint did not identify any specific incident and instead raised concerns about policing services generally since 2020.
The Inspector General found that the HPS complied with the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 and its regulations and delivered policing services in a reasonable manner.
The decision found that HPS increased dedicated foot patrol resources in the downtown core through its CORE Patrol Initiative, improved officer availability to respond to calls, maintained stable violent crime rates, and reduced the overall severity of violent crime during the review period. The Inspector General also noted that, despite increased 911 call volumes, average call answer times improved in 2024 and emergency response times became faster.
The decision highlighted HPS's data-driven approach to resource deployment, crime prevention, and community engagement, as well as the Hamilton Police Service Board's role in establishing strategic priorities informed by public consultation.
Outcome: Compliance with the CSPA and its regulations.
Decision Date: July 30, 2026