Media Release: Hamilton Police Service Board Supports Ontario Inspector General of Policing's First Notice To Fortify Police Response to Rising Antisemitic and Hate Motivated Incidents

The Hamilton Police Service Board (Board) welcomes the release of the Inspector General of Policing's first Notice of Issue released on July 14, 2026, which identifies seven actions for police services and boards across Ontario to fortify their response to the sustained rise in anti-
Semitic and hate-motivated incidents. The Board stands in full support of this important oversight initiative and commits to working with the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) to ensure theactions identified are implemented consistently and effectively in our community.

Hamilton was among the board and police services that participated in the Inspector General's June 15, 2026, meeting, which brought together police chiefs and their representatives, board leadership, and Jewish and community organizations from across the province to discuss how policing can continue to evolve in response to hate-motivated incidents. The Board recognizes Jewish communities have remained the most targeted group for religion-based hate crimes in Canada, and that recent incidents, including threats and violence directed at synagogues, schools, and businesses, demand a coordinated and sustained response.

The Notice of Issue identifies seven actions in the areas of data classification, investigative centralization, release conditions, supervisory oversight, victim and community support, training, and board-level prioritization and reporting. The Board is currently in the process of reviewing and restructuring its strategic plan and policies to ensure these actions are reflected in the priorities it sets for the Hamilton Police Service and will require regular reporting from the Chief of Police on implementation progress.

“Every resident of Hamilton, no matter their faith or background, deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood, their place of worship, and their community. The Board takes seriously the  rust placed in us to provide effective governance of policing in this city, and we welcome the Inspector General's leadership in bringing forward clear, actionable steps. We are committed to continuing to work with Chief Bergen and the Hamilton Police Service to put these actions into practice and to reporting back to our community on our progress. We welcome similar initiativesfrom the Inspectorate of Policing in the future.” - Chair Don Robertson

While the Notice of Issue is focused on the disproportionate rise in anti-Semitic incidents, the  Board recognizes hate is not experienced uniformly across communities. Consistent with the Inspector General's guidance, the Board will also consider how these actions can inform the Service's response to hate-motivated incidents affecting other groups in Hamilton, based on local data and ongoing engagement with affected communities.

The Board thanks the Inspector General of Policing, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Governance Ontario, and the Jewish and community organizations that contributed to this process and looks forward to continued collaboration as this work moves forward. 

Hamilton Police Service Board Strategic Plan Survey: Request for Community Feedback

The Board, in consultation with the Chief of Police, is developing an updated Strategic Plan – an initiative that will shape the future of policing in our community. This plan will define priorities, guide resource allocation, improve services and strengthen relationships between the Board, the Hamilton Police Service, community partners and the public. It will be designed to reflect community values, align with provincial legislation and support responsible, transparent governance.

The Board has selected Consilium Public Sector Services (CP2S) to lead the Board in the planning process and to facilitate a public survey, as well as key stakeholder feedback sessions, to gather input from Hamiltonians. This is truly a community-drive process. CP2S’ proven track record working with other Ontario police service boards ensures a professional, inclusive and evidence-based approach.

Community survey input will help inform recommendations for future planning and service improvements. It is meant to gather community feedback on safety, policing priorities, service experience and communication. A confidential public survey has been open to all members of the public since June 1, 2026, and will remain open until July 31, 2026. For more information, please visit the Board’s website www.hamiltonpsb.ca or access the survey through the QR  code below.

Board Members: Chair Don Robertson, Vice Chair Esther Pauls, Cameron Kroetsch, Shaun Padulo, Mike Spadafora, and Robin St. Jean Administrative Team: Executive Director Kirsten Stevenson, Executive Assistant LuciaRomano and Board Assistant Jordana Shainbach