More Hamilton police patrolling downtown after community requests

Hamilton residents in the downtown core may see more police officers following requests from the community.

The force’s Core Patrol began monitoring the area on Monday, with a focus on Wellington to Bay streets and Cannon to Hunter streets.

The officers will engage with community members and gather feedback on improving safety and wellbeing.

Hamilton police say they have been receiving a positive response to the increased policing so far.

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For example, Denninger’s has shared that 80 per cent of their staff agree or strongly agree that security on the downtown streets affects their feelings of safety in the workplace.

This compares to 73 per cent having said they do not feel safe walking in their parking lot when it is dark.

Officers also provide connections to social navigator programs and rapid intervention support.

These initiatives ensure that vulnerable community members such as people experiencing homelessness and people with mental illnesses receive support from professionals.

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