Foot Patrol


From 1836 until about 1900, Hamilton was a small city and all police worked on foot patrol.

  • Eventually with the advent of Tramcars in the 1800’s, officers were able to get on and off to a distant call for assistance.

  • Around 1900 a wagon was purchased and several horses were employed for transportation in emergencies or for prisoners.

  • In 1921 a number of motorcycles were purchased and used to dispatch officers to urgent calls. There was also one car used for an Ambulance or body removals.

  • About the time of the Second World War, more police cars were purchased.

  • In 1951 two officers were shot at King and Caroline. There were only 2 police cars on the street at that time and they were driving one of them. The other cruiser was busy so the nearest mobile officer that could assist was an OPP officer patrolling in Aldershot.

  • From 6 a.m. until midnight, every day, a foot patrol officer controlled traffic at King and James. They finally installed traffic lights there in the mid-50’s.

  • At present, there are no officers working foot patrol on a regular basis in Hamilton.