The RIBD strategy is focused on understanding and addressing police impact on racial inequalities, including differences in outcomes like use of force among racial groups, internal policies, and training practices.

HPS is committed to promoting equitable policing by continuously investing in training. Recognizing that training is an ongoing process, HPS remains dedicated to enhancing these efforts through expanded initiatives that support fair and inclusive policing practices. Alongside the RIBD strategy, HPS is also publishing a summary of its training program, highlighting our commitment to meaningful change. This program focuses on deepening officers’ understanding of race and identity-based data, bias awareness, charter rights, and community engagement.

In 2020, Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General directed police to record the race of individuals in use-of-force incidents. Ontario-wide trends revealed disparities among racial communities, including Black, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern groups, compared to the resident population in areas such as injuries, weapons, and other use-of-force tactics. Guided by human rights and trauma-informed principles, Hamilton Police have developed its RIBD Strategy in line with the 2017 Anti-Racism Act (ARA).

In June 2024, Hamilton Police Service also welcomed the first RIBD Community Advisory Panel. This ten-member group has played a key role in helping to shape the RIBD strategy. CAP members provide critical perspective that challenge data interpretations, strategy, and action planning while offering suggestions based on their community perspectives and lived-experience.

The Community Advisory Panel includes individuals passionate about data, social justice and community service. Panel members contribute their understanding of systemic racism and their experience in research, analytics, advocacy, and frontline work.

The upcoming steps include ongoing question development, data analysis, recommendations from the CAP and continued community consultations. Based on these insights, targeted strategies will be implemented to drive meaningful change. Key milestones—such as policy updates, training initiatives, and community engagement efforts—will be shared as the strategy progresses.

The RIBD strategy is not bound by a fixed timeline. Instead, it will continue to evolve as HPS listens, learns, and adapts to community needs. The RIBD strategy will remain a dynamic and responsive initiative, ensuring accountability and sustained progress.

HPS will provide an update to the HPSB on the strategy’s progress in June 2025.

Click here to learn more about RIBD.

The RIBD strategy is focused on understanding and addressing police impact on racial inequalities, including differences in outcomes like use of force among racial groups, internal policies, and training practices.

The 10 person CAP is made up of individuals passionate about data, social justice and community service. They represent a wide diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and positionalities with experience in human rights, procedural justice, as well as race and identity issues. Learn more about the wealth and breadth of the CAP members experience here.

“We thank everyone who took the time to apply to the Community Advisory Panel. This is important work and is a critical step towards enhancing transparency and accountability,” said Chief Frank Bergen.

The CAP plays a crucial role in developing the RIBD strategy by challenging police analysis of over-representation, getting full access to police data to aid in solution development, and collaborating with police to find effective solutions.

The application process, which began on February 1, 2024, garnered 39 applications. The selection committee comprised two civilian employees, one academic partner, and three members from communities overrepresented in police use of force. The process involved two steps: the committee first reviewed applications and resumes, advancing 16 individuals to the interview stage. Following structured interviews, 10 candidates were selected as CAP members.

In 2020, Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General directed all police services across the province to record the race of individuals in use of force incidents. This revealed a higher incident rate in communities such as Black, Indigenous, South East Asian, and Middle Eastern compared to benchmark populations. Guided by human rights and trauma-informed principles, Hamilton Police Service is developing a strategy for RIBD in line with Ontario’s Anti-Racism Act, 2017.

"Hamilton Police Service is fully committed to this meaningful collaboration," said Crime Information Analysis Unit Manager Chloe Nyitray, who is helping lead the effort on behalf of the Service. "We understand that only through joint efforts can we address and rectify racial disparities in policing."

The RIBD Strategy will assist the Hamilton Police Service to better understand and address racial disparities. It will also help the Service to identify ways to better support members in their delivery of fair and equitable service.