2024 Hate Crime Infograph

Hamilton Police recorded 297 hate/bias incidents and criminal offences in 2024—a 35 per cent increase from the previous year. While this rise is concerning, it may reflect growing community trust in reporting and strengthened officer training in identifying hate-motivated occurrences.

The majority of occurrences were racially motivated, followed by incidents involving religion and sexual orientation. The Black, Jewish, and 2S&LGBTQIA+ communities were most frequently impacted.

“Hate crimes impact more than just individuals—they affect the sense of safety and belonging for entire communities,” said Chief Frank Bergen. “It’s our shared responsibility to confront hate and support one another.”

Potential contributing factors to the rise:

• Community engagement and education encouraging more individuals to report
• Enhanced officer training and awareness
• The influence of global events on local communities

Despite the increase in reports, hate crimes remain underreported. Hamilton Police continue to encourage all individuals to report hate/bias occurrences, no matter how minor they may seem.

In June 2024, Hamilton Police launched the Hate Crime Case Review Team (HCCRT)—a collaborative, community-driven initiative to improve accountability and transparency in hate crime investigations.

The HCCRT is composed of 14 community representatives from 2S&LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, Jewish, Muslim, and South Asian communities. Members were selected through an open application and community voting process, ensuring diverse and intersectional representation.

Between September and December 2024, HCCRT members received training in:

• Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression
• Secondary/vicarious trauma awareness
• Crown-led briefings on hate crimes
• Police systems and investigative processes

Beginning in January 2025, the team began reviewing a randomized sample of 124 hate-related cases (2018–2021)—a statistically significant 95 per cent confidence sample. Their insights will help shape service delivery, identify gaps, and strengthen Hamilton Police’s response to hate-motivated occurrences.

Since 2019, Hamilton Police have implemented proactive strategies to prevent and respond to hate crimes, including:

• Community presentations to raise awareness about reporting
• Enhanced support for victims—162 interactions by HPS Victim Services in 2024
• Mandatory hate crime training for all new recruits
• A  hate crime dashboard for real-time tracking
• Expanded online reporting tools
• Focus groups and a community-led Town Hall to build and formalize the HCCRT
• Hosting Hate Crime Symposiums to share statistics, reporting tools, and community-focused initiatives

Hamilton Police remain committed to ensuring this city is safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone.

“Together, we can break the cycle of hate. It starts with listening, learning, and standing up for each other,” said Chief Bergen.

To report a hate crime or bias-related incident, visit www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca