Hamilton’s majority outgoing Police Service Board held a special meeting today and quickly decided to defer to the incoming City Council that will take office next weekend.
During today’s seven-and-a-half minute special meeting, the outgoing Board decided to allow the incoming Police Board to decision on a new 2027 to 2030 Strategic Plan for Policing in Hamilton.
In brief remarks announcing the decision, Police Board Chair Don Robertson acknowledged that the outgoing Board shouldn’t make further significant decisions.
“At least at minimum, three of the seven [members] will continue,” Robertson said. “The City’s pleasure will determine the balance of the Board.”
“The passing and the recommendation of this [Strategic Plan] will be in the hands of the next meeting and the updated board,” Roberson said.
Hamilton’s Police Board consists of seven members. Three are appointed by the provincial government, three are chosen by City Council, and the Mayor is automatically entitled to a seat.
The outgoing Police Service Board has already taken away the ability of the new Mayor and new Police Board to hire the next Chief of Police.
On October 29, three days after Hamiltonian’s elected a new Mayor and City Council, the outgoing Police Board announced they had appointed Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati as the next Chief of Police effective May 6, 2027.
The appointment was made without permitting any applicants for the job.
The new City Council will determine its police board appointments on November 18 during their inaugural meeting. Mayor Keanin Loomis states he will serve on the Police Board during his entire four-year term.
The new Police Board membership will hold its first scheduled meeting on November 26.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: November 6, 2026
Last updated: November 6, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version
Discussion
0 commentsNo comments yet. Be the first to add your perspective.