Hamilton Police are hosting a recruitment information session aimed at attracting Hamilton’s diverse community to a career in policing.

Taking place during Black History Month, Hamilton Police are committed to expanding diversity within the Service to reflect the talent, cultures, and perspectives within Hamilton.

“We know how important it is that our community see themselves reflected in our Service. Our goal is to build upon the diversity within our Service that best represents the community we serve and protect,” says Chief Frank Bergen.

The Reflecting the Communities We Serve: Recruitment Information Session is taking place on Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Building B at the Multi Agency Training Academy at 1227 Stone Church Rd E. Registration is limited, so interested participants are asked to register early at rsamnani@hamiltonpolice.ca.

Hamilton Police members from a variety of sworn and civilian positions will attend to share their perspectives, experiences and why policing is a rewarding career choice.

The role, which was approved by the Hamilton Police Service Board in October 2020, was identified as critical to facilitating the development and implementation of the Service’s EDI strategy. Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, the position will ensure EDI principles are embedded within core processes, policies and services.

A lifelong Hamiltonian, Jani is an equity and violence prevention specialist who has worked extensively and passionately on advocating for human rights in both Canada and India. She has worked extensively on a variety of EDI topics such as anti-racism, anti-oppression, bias, diversity and gender-based violence.

“This role is the first of its kind for the Hamilton Police Service and I want to thank the Police Service Board for their support and commitment to making equity, diversity and inclusion a priority,” said CAO Anna Filice. “Paola’s role will be critical to setting the foundation for our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy. While we recognize we have much work ahead of us, Paola’s work, in partnership with the community, will support us in making our workplace and ultimately, our services, more inclusive and welcoming for all,” added Filice.

Jani holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science, a post-graduate diploma in Public Management, and a Master's Degree in World Heritage Studies. She has also earned multiple post graduate certificates, including from the United Nations in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and in Leveraging Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence from Stanford University graduate School.