Hamilton Police held the first meeting of its inaugural Community Advisory Panel (CAP) to work alongside police on the development of a Race and Identity-Based Data Strategy (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.