Automated License Plate Recognition

Hamilton Police Service uses Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras to automatically scan and detect license plates in the surrounding area of a police cruiser. This makes it more difficult for suspended drivers, drivers of stolen cars, and other vehicles with plates in poor standing to drive undetected. Under optimal conditions, the ALPR system is capable of scanning thousands of license plates per hour.

Hamilton Police Service (HPS) primarily uses the DJI Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), to assist with a variety of public safety functions. 

The primary uses of the RPAS are:

Strategic Directions

Vision
To be a trusted partner in delivering public safety.

Mission
To serve and protect in partnership with our communities.

Values

The Hamilton Police Service Annual Report highlights initiatives that protect and safeguard our communities. These accomplishments demonstrate the importance of partnerships to ensure Hamilton is a strong and safe place to live and work. The report details the costs of policing services, crime statistics and includes business plan indicators.

Hamilton Police Service is committed to creating an accessible environment for all members and visitors. Whether attending one of our facilities or visiting us online, we strive to meet accessibility needs and eliminate all barriers.

Our website meets and exceeds the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). However, a small portion of our content is available in PDF format only and there may be instances where we are unable to provide information in an accessible document. We are working to address these accessibility issues.

Coming Soon

The Hamilton Police Service was the first in the province to bring in a formal unit, back in 1960.

Currently, Hamilton’s K9 Unit is comprised of four officers and their assigned police service dogs - Scout, Jake, Chase and Armour.

The officers and their assigned dogs undergo an extensive 16-week training course to learn how to chase, track narcotics, firearms, explosives and even missing persons.

The Hamilton Police Service Marine Unit operates out of Hamilton Harbour year-round, conducting both law enforcement and rescue operations. During the boating season from April through November, the Unit actively patrols western Lake Ontario and Hamilton Harbour on a daily basis.  Throughout the non-boating months of December to March, the Unit responds to marine calls on an emergency basis, as well as ice rescue situations.