Extra Patrols for the Hammer’s Heart: Chief Frank Bergen Steps Up Downtown Police Presence!
Starting September, Hamilton's downtown core is getting some extra love from the city's finest—well, four more officers to be exact. Chief of Police Frank Bergen announced that the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) will be beefing up its downtown patrols, increasing from the existing two officers to a squad of six, Monday through Saturday, on various shifts.
You heard that right, folks. The Hammer's getting some serious backup. After all, who doesn’t want to feel a little safer when grabbing a coffee on King Street or shopping on James North? With the increase in patrols, the HPS is responding directly to concerns raised by downtown businesses. Retail crime, threats of violence, and general safety issues have been on the rise, and local merchants have been loud and clear—they want more feet on the street, and the HPS is answering that call.
Chief Bergen made it clear that this decision didn’t come lightly or without consideration. "The decision was made this morning," he said, explaining that the extra patrols will be funded within the existing 2024 budget. The additional $190,000 cost for these three months will be absorbed by the department.
So, what does this mean for Hamiltonians? For one, a more visible police presence in the downtown area could help deter crime and make our streets feel a little more like home again. The increase in patrols should also mean quicker response times and a stronger connection between the police and the community—a win-win for everyone.
As we head into the cooler months, it’s good to know that while we’re bundling up, there will be more officers on the streets keeping an eye on things. Whether you’re out grabbing a pumpkin spice latte or heading to one of the many events that make Hamilton’s downtown so vibrant, it’s comforting to know that the HPS is doubling down on its commitment to our city’s core.
So, here’s to hoping that with more officers on patrol, we’ll see less crime and more peace of mind as we stroll through the heart of our city. Keep an eye out for those uniforms, Hamilton—help is just around the corner.
