Rising safety fears spark creation of downtown police patrol in Hamilton
Published June 29, 2023 at 11:08 am
Residents, businesses and visitors may not be looking over their shoulders as much now that a dedicated team of police officers has been assigned to patrol downtown Hamilton.
“We know feeling safe while dining, shopping or visiting the downtown core is important and the presence of Core Patrol is the first step in delivering a positive experience in downtown Hamilton,” said Supt. David Hennick in a statement today (June 29).
The “core patrol” began their downtown duties on June 26, Hamilton police announced today. The force said it created a police team specifically assigned to patrol downtown Hamilton and surrounding areas. The move is in response to requests from downtown residents and businesses for increased police presence and a “return of proactive policing” in their neighbourhoods, police said.
The team will focus on the areas from Wellington to Bay and Cannon to Hunter. As part of their duties, officers will get feedback from individuals, businesses and stakeholders and focus on improving the safety and well-being of the community.
COURTESY HAMILTON POLICE SERVICE
“As downtown business owners we can use the support in improving the vibrancy in our city,” said Justine Wilk, owner and executive sous chef at Gastro Market, in a statement. “These additional resources will be helpful in attracting more people to spend time downtown.”
During a recent Hamilton Police Services Board meeting, Denninger’s Foods of The World shared that 73 per cent of its staff do not feel safe walking in the parking lot when it’s dark.
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Hamilton police said the core patrol officers will connect vulnerable residents with supports such as from the social navigator program, which includes paramedics and officers who provide information about social and healthcare agencies. Also, the rapid intervention and support team will have staff specializing in homelessness, addictions and mental health that will offer resources, referrals and support.
In recent months, police had added their “park and walks” in the downtown areas, which involves officers parking their cruisers and walking downtown amid a reported spike in violent incidents and illegal activity.
In an interview June 16 with inthehammer.com publisher Khaled Iwamura, Mayor Andrea Horwath said the City is partnering with the big players in the core, such as the Business Improvement Area and police, to help improve the downtown neighbourhoods.
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