Hamilton police will not lay charges following ‘Defund the Police’ painting
- Michael Kras
- 03 Sep 2020
Following an investigation after a peaceful protest in which the phrase ‘Defund the Police’ was painted in yellow paint on a massive stretch of Main Street outside City Hall, Hamilton Police have said they will not lay charges against any of the protestors found to be involved in the demonstration.
The powerful protest, which took place on July 23rd and drew around 100 locals to participate, saw a portion of Main Street directly outside City Hall blocked off from vehicle traffic while protestors painted the phrase ‘Defund the Police’ in gigantic yellow lettering across the stretch of road.
Hamilton police launched a criminal investigation the following day, identifying five individuals with some involvement in the demonstration. However, the police simply cautioned the individuals and opted not to lay any charges.
We recognize the right to lawful, peaceful protest. The roadway painting investigation outside #HamOnt City Hall is concluded & no charges laid. Engaging in public dialogue is important but a reminder that defacing public property is a criminal act. https://t.co/uAVtOhmufE
— Hamilton Police (@HamiltonPolice) September 3, 2020
“As a police service, we acknowledge the need for public engagement and dialogue on issues facing our community such as systemic racism and discrimination, as well as how police respond to homelessness, harm reduction and mental illness,” said the Hamilton Police Service in a statement.
“We recognize the right to lawful, peaceful assembly and protest. However, we remind the public that defacing public property is a criminal act and subject to charges.”
The aftermath of the demonstration drew intense criticism from some locals, who pointed out how rapidly Hamilton city officials moved to have the timely message removed from the street.
The city claimed in a statement that the rapid removal was out of concern for safety, citing the slipperiness of household paint for motorists.
The Defund the Police movement in Hamilton, catalyzed by the recent mass protests in Canada and the United States against anti-Black racism and police brutality, calls for a 20 per cent reduction in the Hamilton Police Services’ annual operating budget, with funds reallocated to a wider array of specialized social services and public safety initiatives.
Hamilton councillors Nrinder Nann and Maureen Wilson have both been outspoken in their support of the movement.
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