Hamilton Police Service is expanding proactive, neighbourhood-focused policing with the launch of dedicated ACTION teams in Divisions 20 and 30.

Each division will initially deploy four dedicated ACTION officers, with the teams expanding to eight full-time officers in each division by January 2027.

ACTION – Addressing Crime Trends In Our Neighbourhoods – provides divisions with dedicated resources to respond to emerging and persistent crime and public safety concerns. Officers will focus on crime trends, chronic offenders and recurring neighbourhood issues while building relationships with residents, businesses and community partners.

“Every neighbourhood is unique, and the concerns of the people who live and work there need to be heard to help inform our response,” says Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen. “ACTION gives our divisions dedicated resources to focus on those concerns, strengthen relationships and proactively address the issues impacting community safety and quality of life.”

ACTION officers will use evidence-based and intelligence-led policing to identify where resources are needed and will combine prevention, intervention, enforcement and community engagement to address local priorities.

Officers will be highly visible and in uniform, deploying in marked police vehicles and, where appropriate, on foot and bicycle. Teams will primarily operate during the day and evening, when opportunities for proactive enforcement and community engagement are greatest.

Each team will report to its divisional Crime Manager, allowing officers to be deployed based on divisional crime trends, intelligence and community concerns.

ACTION was originally introduced as a city-wide initiative focused on reducing violence and enhancing community safety. As staffing needs evolved, its proactive approach and resources were integrated into frontline patrol, continuing to support community safety across Hamilton.

The return of ACTION reimagines that model by giving Divisions 20 and 30 dedicated teams tailored to the needs of the communities they serve. The additional staffing was approved in the 2026 police budget.

Division 1 will continue to deploy eight dedicated CORE officers focused on Hamilton’s downtown. CORE will retain its existing designation and operational mandate.

The addition of ACTION strengthens Hamilton Police Service’s ability to deploy visible, proactive resources where they are needed and respond to the evolving public safety needs of communities across Hamilton.