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Eric Girt is the new Chief of police in Hamilton. The police services board named the long-time deputy chief as Glenn De Caire’s replacement this morning.
Police transparency and carding have been hot issues of concern in Hamilton and Girt says those are priorities for him.
“The big plans going forward are to build those relationships with the community, stay focussed on public trust, to ensure we act responsibly and that our members deliver that service in a professional manner.”
The Police Association says morale among officers was at an all time low under Chief De Caire. A police association survey taken last year showed that more than 72% of officers surveyed said they were upset with workplace morale and even more felt they worked in a “culture of fear”. The Police Association President is confident those numbers will go down under the new chief.
Girt started on the force in 1986 as a constable and worked his way up. He’s been a deputy chief for the last ten years and has worked with 5 different chiefs in his career. The police services board was forced to look for a new chief, after Glenn De Caire suddenly retired in December.
Eric Girt is the 35th Hamilton Police Chief and he’s signed a 5 year contract.
