HPS History
19th Century
Modern policing began in 1829 when Sir Robert Peel established the Metropolitan Police Service in London, England. These officers, known as “Bobbies” or “Peelers,” laid the foundation for policing practices still used today.
This model quickly spread to pre-Confederation Canada. On February 13, 1833, the Town of Hamilton was established in Upper Canada. The first Board of Police meeting was held on March 11, 1833, at the Hamilton Courthouse. High Bailiff John Ryckman was appointed to maintain public order, becoming Hamilton’s first police officer. Hamilton was among the first communities to adopt Peel’s policing principles.
Other nearby communities soon followed. Dundas established its own police service in 1848, and Ancaster formed a Police Village in 1850.
20th Century
Throughout the 20th century, policing in the Hamilton area continued to evolve in response to population growth and changing community needs.
In August 1940, the Township of Saltfleet established a constabulary to serve its growing urban population. Stoney Creek followed in 1949 during the post-war expansion. Over time, several other local policing bodies existed, including Glanbrook, Barton Township, Glanford Township, Flamborough, East Flamborough, Waterdown, Hamilton Beach, the Hamilton Harbour Police, and Hamilton Parks Police.
As municipalities grew and changed, many smaller police services were disbanded. Their responsibilities were either assumed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) or merged with neighbouring departments through municipal restructuring and joint agreements.
In the 1960s, the provincial government introduced Police Commissions, removing policing from direct municipal control and establishing independent oversight.
By December 31, 1973, five municipal police services remained: Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas, and Saltfleet. On January 1, 1974, these services were amalgamated to form the Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police Force, governed by a Board of Commissioners of Police.
On February 22, 1986, the Hamilton Harbour Police were disbanded, and their responsibilities were transferred to the regional police service.
21st Century
On January 1, 2001, the communities of Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Stoney Creek, and Hamilton were amalgamated to form the current City of Hamilton. At the same time, the Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police became the modern Hamilton Police Service.
Located at the western end of Lake Ontario, the Hamilton Police Service serves a population of more than 650,000 residents across approximately 1,113 square kilometres.
Today, the Service includes both sworn officers and civilian members who respond to tens of thousands of calls for service each year. The Hamilton Police Service continues to evolve to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community.
This history continues to shape policing in Hamilton. We are committed to learning from our past and welcome information that contributes to our historical record. To share information, please contact our Service Historian at: historian@hamiltonpolice.ca
Ceremonial Units
The Hamilton Police Service Ceremonial Units proudly represent the Service and the City of Hamilton at civic, community, and ceremonial events.
These units reflect the professionalism, integrity, tradition, and history of the Hamilton Police Service while fostering strong community connections through music, ceremony, and public engagement.
Choir
The Hamilton Police Choir showcases the musical talent and community spirit within the Hamilton Police Service.
The original Hamilton Police Male Chorus was established in 1959, becoming the first police chorus of its kind in Canada and the oldest police choral group in North America.
In 2001, the Hamilton Police Female Choir was formed as Canada’s first and only all-female police choir. Guided by the theme “Unity Through Harmony,” the choir included sworn and civilian members from across the Service.
In 2022, the two groups merged to form the modern Hamilton Police Choir. Today, the choir continues to perform at police and community events in Hamilton and beyond, celebrating diversity, inclusion, and community through music.
Honour Guard
The Hamilton Police Service Honour Guard has represented the Service for more than 35 years at civic ceremonies, memorials, parades, and community events across Canada and internationally.
Originally formed to march alongside the Hamilton Police Pipes & Drums, the unit has evolved into a highly respected ceremonial team known for precision drill performances and formal ceremonial duties.
The Honour Guard attends approximately 30 to 40 events annually and consists of members from various areas of the Service, ranging in rank from Constable to Staff Sergeant.
Dedication, professionalism, and commitment are central to the unit’s continued success and reputation.
Hamilton Police Pipe Band
The Hamilton Police Pipe Band was established in 1961 by a group of dedicated police officers. Today, membership is open to both members of the Service and the public.
Hamilton is home to the third-oldest police pipe band in Canada. Over the years, the band has represented Hamilton at competitions, festivals, parades, and civic events locally, nationally, and internationally.
The band has competed across Canada and internationally, earning numerous honours, including Atlantic Canada and Nova Scotia Pipe Band Championships, as well as Canadian and North American championship titles.
The organization currently includes approximately 65 members and operates an active community youth instruction program offering bagpipe and drum lessons for youth and adults.
The Hamilton Police Pipe Band continue to play an important role at Hamilton Police Service ceremonies, community events, and public celebrations throughout the region.
To contact the Hamilton Police Pipe Band email: pipeband@hppb.ca