Hamilton police downtown substation opens to respond to community concerns

A new Hamilton police substation is officially open to allow for a dedicated law enforcement presence in the city’s downtown core.

The location at 2 King St. West in Jackson Square will enable officers to respond directly to “concerns raised by downtown businesses, residents, service providers and community partners about safety, visibility and the need for stronger connections in the core,” reads a statement from Hamilton police.

The substation was established after increased concerns of crime and danger, especially after high-profile shootings took place last year in the area around Jackson Square.

“We’re going to be seen in this area,” said Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen. “We’re going to standing up and making sure that we are available to make sure that the downtown is a safe place to be.”

Last month, Hamilton police hosted a Downtown Safety Summit, bringing together a broad cross-section of local partners to discuss the challenges facing the area and identify practical steps to support a safer, more vibrant and welcoming downtown.

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One of the action items identified was exploring the feasibility of a police substation.

“We heard clearly from businesses and residents that a stronger police presence downtown matters,” said Bergen. “This substation puts our officers closer to the people we serve, increases visibility, and strengthens our work with partners to keep downtown Hamilton safe, welcoming and vibrant.”

The 3,504-square-foot area will be staffed using current Hamilton police resources and will support the ongoing work of CORE Patrol and other members assigned to safety initiatives in the area.

“We are not alone in wanting people to feel safer moving throughout the downtown core. The Downtown Safety Summit demonstrated a real collective energy for positive change by the city, businesses and community partners,” said Bergen.

Police say the substation will of operate Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. — when the highest numbers of people are downtown, with up to eight officers supported by crisis, youth and social workers and officers regularly walking the downtown beat.

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“The public can access through a buzzer at the front door,” said Hamilton Police Supt. Robin Abbott.  “We’ll be happy to have them come in and talk to us at any time — the door’s open for business and welcoming the community to come in and check it out.”

Abbott says the increased visibility in the heart of the city would provide police the ability to respond more quickly to some locations in the downtown core, and to be more responsive to the community and for stakeholders.

Hamilton police say that the City of Hamilton is leasing the space for $1 per year over the next two years from Jackson Square.

“A safe, welcoming downtown is fundamental to a strong local economy,” said Hamilton Chamber of Commerce President Greg Dunnett. He also said the substation is a positive step towards helping restore confidence in the city’s downtown core.

Bergen says this is a chance to assess whether the new substation deals with the challenges in the downtown core.

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