With Police Chief Frank Bergen

Enjoy our chat with Hamilton's Police Chief, Chief Frank Bergen. Thank-you Chief for engaging with Hamiltonians in The Hamiltonian!

1. As Chief of one of Ontario's largest law enforcement agencies, you undoubtedly face a variety of significant challenges. What are the key challenges that concern you most, and how have you been addressing them?

As Chief, my foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety and well-being of every Hamilton resident. We are facing a number of significant challenges, including the rise in violent crime, the complexities of homelessness, harm reduction and mental health, as well as maintaining trust with our community. These issues require a multifaceted approach.

To address violent crime, we’ve invested in evidence-based policing by strategically deploying our resources and enhancing our partnerships with community agencies.

When it comes to mental health, we’ve created our Crisis Response Unit to ensure officers are responding with professionals by their side. We are committed to improving transparency and accountability—this means listening to the community, being open about our practices, and taking action when change is needed.

2 For those considering a career in law enforcement, what advice would you offer? How should individuals evaluate whether this line of work is a good fit for them, and what are some critical aspects of the job that people should be aware of before pursuing a career?

To those considering a career in policing: know that this is a profession of service. It’s not simply a job. You must lead with empathy, integrity, and a deep respect for all people. The work is challenging and, at times, difficult. But it is also incredibly meaningful.

This career will test you emotionally and physically. It demands long hours, mental resilience, and at times, it will expose you to human suffering. But it also offers a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Before applying, spend time volunteering in your community, get some life experience, and speak to people working in the profession —it’ll give you a clearer picture of what this job entails and whether it’s right for you.

I’m in my 43th year of policing and I still feel pride every time I put on the uniform.

Hamilton Police Service is hiring. I would encourage anyone interested in a career with us to attend a recruiting event. We have many civilian and sworn opportunities within our Service that offers a career with endless opportunities.

3 The safety and security of the community is a top priority, yet there is always a need to balance adequate police resources with fiscal responsibility. We understand that a 5.7% increase over the 2024 budget was approved. What metrics or strategies are in place to measure outcomes against established targets? How will you and the residents of Hamilton be able to assess whether these funds are effectively contributing to crime reduction and overall safety?

HPS is committed to continuously searching for innovative, timely and fiscally responsible approaches to better provide services to the community and the efficient use of our resources.

Because policing is a people-focused service, 90 per cent of our budget is allocated to employee-related costs. This budget reflects what we need, not what we want.

It underscores our commitment to maintaining core services as outlined in the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), advancing the priorities in our Strategic Plan, and meeting evolving legislative and technological requirements. It ensures we have the resources and approach required to provide adequate and effective policing in our community.

We measure outcomes through a mix of hard data and community feedback. This includes crime statistics, emergency response times, case clearance rates, and community trust indices. Additionally, we conduct regular performance audits and report publicly on our progress through the Hamilton Police Service Board.

I want residents to know we’ll continue to be transparent about where and how every dollar is spent. Our line by line budget is available on our website for everyone to see.

4. Recent headlines in The Hamilton Spectator highlight the increasing prevalence of violent crime, particularly gun violence, in the city. Does Hamilton’s crime profile align with what you would expect from a city of this size? How would you describe Hamilton’s current crime landscape? What types of crimes are on the rise, which are declining, and can you share insights into the factors driving these trends?

Hamilton’s crime profile mirrors trends seen in urban centres across Ontario. We have experienced a concerning rise in violent crime, particularly involving firearms and youth.

Gun violence remains a serious concern, driven in part by the drug trade and the increasing presence of illegal firearms. Hamilton’s proximity to a port, airport, and major highways makes it a strategic location that can be exploited for drug trafficking.

This is not an isolated issue—it is an international challenge. We know drugs and guns are flowing across our borders. That’s why we’re working in close collaboration with our community stakeholders and policing partners across jurisdictions to address it.

In response, we established our Shooting Response Team, which has achieved significant success in solving shooting cases and enhancing our investigative capabilities.

The rise in gun-related incidents should be of concern to all Hamiltonians. This is not solely a policing issue—it’s a community issue. It requires a shared commitment to prevention, intervention, and accountability from every sector of our city.

5 Since your appointment as Chief of Police, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and how would you describe its impact?

Since becoming Chief, I’ve been most proud of the dedication and exemplary service shown by our civilian and sworn members to the Hamilton community. Much of the great work they do each day goes unnoticed but has a huge impact in our city.

I also note the progress we’ve made in strengthening trust with our community. That often begins with listening—especially to the difficult conversations—and then demonstrating, through meaningful action that we’ve heard what’s been said. Words alone aren’t enough; it’s our actions that must lead the way.

Initiatives like our Hate Crime Community Review Team and Race and Identity-Based Data Strategy reflect this commitment. They represent our willingness to confront complex issues head-on, to acknowledge where improvement is needed, and to work collaboratively toward solutions that lead to better outcomes for everyone in Hamilton.

Similarly, the establishment of our Rapid Intervention and Support Team (RIST)—a collaborative partnership between Hamilton Police, Hamilton Paramedics, Wesley Urban Ministries, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, the Canadian Mental Health Association Hamilton, Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, YMCA, and Interval House Hamilton—has been a significant achievement. RIST provides comprehensive, wraparound case management for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or addiction.

6. How would you assess the overall morale within the Hamilton Police Service? In that regard, are there any specific concerns within the department that you are actively working to address?

Hamilton Police Service is not immune to the pressures affecting police services across the country. The job is increasingly complex, and officers are being asked to do more than ever before.

We’ve invested in internal wellness programs, peer support networks, and leadership development. I also make it a point to meet regularly with members, to hear their concerns directly and make changes where needed. Our people are our greatest asset, and I will always prioritize their mental, physical, and professional well-being.

7. In terms of diversity, how closely does the Hamilton Police Service reflect the demographic makeup of the city? Do you believe that it is important for police services to mirror the community's diversity, and if so, how does this influence policing and community relationships?

Hamilton is a diverse city, and it’s important that our police service reflects that reality. A diverse police service builds trust and improves outcomes for everyone. We are currently conducting a member engagement survey to better understand the make up of our Service.

We’ve implemented focused recruitment strategies to attract candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds. We’ve also expanded training in cultural competency and anti-racism to ensure that once members are in the service, they are equipped to serve all communities with fairness and understanding.

8. What support systems are available to Officers who may need assistance in coping with the emotional and psychological challenges of the job, especially in cases involving traumatic incidents like homicides or other violent crimes?

Policing can take a heavy emotional toll, particularly when members are exposed to violence and trauma. We have multiple supports in place, including access to psychological services, peer support programs, a reintegration program and confidential counselling.

We’ve also launched wellness initiatives aimed at early intervention—because it’s not enough to react after something happens. We are building a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.

Is human trafficking a significant issue in Hamilton? What steps are being taken by the Hamilton Police Service to combat this serious crime?

Yes, human trafficking is a concern in Hamilton—and it often hides in plain sight. Our Human Trafficking Unit is working tirelessly to investigate these cases, rescue victims, and bring traffickers to justice.

We’re also working closely with community organizations to raise awareness, provide victim support, and disrupt the networks that enable this crime. Education is key: if we can teach young people the signs and risks, we can help prevent exploitation before it begins.