Hamilton Police chief under fire

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Hamilton Police chief Glenn De Caire is facing criticism over an email he distributed.

The citizen’s email thanked police for their work after a black teenager was shot to death at a north Hamilton City Housing complex. The email includes the line – quote – ”I believe it is time for these black kids to stop blaming the police for the problems and take responsibility for the actions of the youth.”

De Caire’s signature is at the bottom of the email.

Councillor Matthew Green says by forwarding the email unedited or without a warning, he feels the chief’s endorsing the view that black youth have to stop blaming police, creating an ”us versus them” culture.

“As it was presented to me, there was a clear racial undertone that seemed to pit the black community against police in a way that I don’t think is reflective of the values I heard from the rank and file, and the staff sergeants that I’ve been working with.”

Police spokeswoman Catherine Martin says the chief regularly forwards communications from the public, but that doesn’t mean he endorses their opinions.

CHCH’s Scot Urquhart will have more on this story tonight on the Evening News at 6.