FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 9, 2025
THE HAMILTON POLICE SERVICE BOARD ADDRESSES CHARTER RIGHTS
DISCUSSION FROM ITS MAY, 29, 2025 PUBLIC MEETING
The Hamilton Police Service Board (Board) is providing clarity on recent media reports regarding a Charter Rights motion that was included on its May 29, 2025 public agenda. Charter Rights matters were discussed in detail by both the Board and Hamilton Police Service at the public meeting of May 29, 2025. The Board takes this opportunity to highlight its ongoing commitment to transparency, education and governance responsibilities related to human rights in policing.
Board Commitment to Human Rights and Training
The Board values opportunities to expand their knowledge of current and emerging police and human rights-related issues. In accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (the Act) s.35.(2), the Board is compliant with required training. This training includes education on Board roles and responsibilities, as well as education that “promotes recognition and respect for the diverse, multiracial and multicultural character of Ontario society and the rights and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis Peoples”. Over and above this training, the Board organizes additional Board member education sessions on an annual basis related to legal, governance and police-related matters.
Board Collaboration with the Ontario Human Rights Commission
At its public meeting on March 28, 2025, the Board unanimously passed a motion to collaborate with the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on future training and policy development. The motion includes:
An invitation to the OHRC to provide education and resources at an upcoming public Board meeting, with participation from the Board, Hamilton Police Service leadership and officers.
Direction to the Chief of Police to work with the OHRC on a plan to implement human rights-focused training and policies.
A formal commitment from the Board to ongoing collaboration with the OHRC to ensure continuous learning and enhance public trust in policing.
Oversight of Member Discipline and Charter Matters
The Hamilton Police Service maintains full compliance with the Act in the investigation and reporting of member discipline. Discipline-related reports are presented to the Board in May and December of every year. Any substantiated Charter breaches investigated by the Service’s Professional Standards Division are documented in these reports.
Additionally, the Service already produces a comprehensive annual report for the Board that covers both substantiated and unsubstantiated Charter violation allegations, including public and internal complaints. Since 2021, there has been a 718 percent increase in overall training, which includes charter issues, search and seizure, court testimony and notetaking.
The Chief of Police also provides updates on any new or ongoing Charter matters to the Board at its monthly public meetings.
The Service continues to demonstrate proactive communication in relation to Charter breaches with the Board, the community and its service members.
Board Governance and Oversight Responsibilities
The Board’s role respecting officer misconduct includes making sure policies are in place to manage complaints effectively. The Board’s ‘Policy on Complaints of Misconduct (P- 018)’, enacted April 1, 2024, ensures compliance with its responsibilities under the Act and reinforces its governance oversight responsibilities.
The Board remains committed to strengthening its governance practices and welcomes opportunities for continuous improvement. Meeting recordings, reports and presentations are publicly available on the Board’s website.
For more information, please contact the Board’s Executive Director Kirsten Stevenson.
The Hamilton Police Service Board is the civilian body governing the Hamilton Police Service. Through the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, the Board is responsible for ensuring the delivery of adequate and effective policing in Hamilton and to provide accountability to the public through governance activities that contribute to locally responsive policing.
Board Members: Chair Don Robertson, Vice Chair Esther Pauls, Andrea Horwath, Cameron Kroetsch, Anjali Menezes and Shaun Padulo
Administrative Team: Executive Director Kirsten Stevenson and Administrative Assistant Lucia Romano
Phone: 905-546-2727 Email: kirsten.stevenson@hamilton.ca Address: 155 King William Street Hamilton, ON L8R 1A7
Website: www.hamiltonpsb.ca
