Hamilton Police recorded 332 hate/bias incidents, including 138 criminal offences in 2025—a 12 per cent increase from the previous year. While this rise is concerning, it continues to reflect growing community trust in reporting and strengthened officer training in identifying hate-motivated incidents.
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-motivated graffiti accounted for 54 per cent of the 138 hate crimes reported in 2025, making it the most common type of hate crime.
This year's report also reflects changes to how hate crimes are classified using a national framework developed by Statistics Canada. The updated system allows police to record more than one hate motivation and recognize when an incident targets multiple protected groups. These changes improve the accuracy and consistency of hate crime data and provide a better understanding of hate-motivated incidents in Hamilton.
“Hate crimes and hate incidents can have a lasting impact on victims and the communities they target,” said Chief Frank Bergen. “By reporting these incidents, supporting those affected and working together, we can build a safer, more inclusive Hamilton where hate is not tolerated.”
Despite the increase in reports, hate crimes remain vastly underreported. Hamilton Police continue to encourage all individuals to report hate/bias incidents, 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 the 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.
In 2025, the team reviewed 50 of 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 incidents. A final report with recommendations is expected in December 2026.
Since 2019, Hamilton Police have implemented proactive strategies to prevent and respond to hate crimes, including:
- Conducted 13 community presentations to raise awareness about reporting
- Hosted the Hate Crime Symposium at Carmen’s Event Centre, with 150 participants attending
- Supported 111 new victims through HPS Victim Services in 2025.
- Delivered mandatory hate crime training for all new recruits, cadets, special constables and victim service volunteers.
- Continued education for front-line patrol officers and supervisors
- Expanded online reporting tools
- Joined the OPP-led Provincial Anti-Terrorism Section (PATS) enhancing intelligence sharing, risk assessment
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.
Hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents can be reported in several ways. In an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 905-546-4925. Reports can also be made online at www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca or in person at any Hamilton Police Service station.
For those who wish to provide information anonymously, please consider reaching out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at Crime Stoppers Hamilton's Website.
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