Crime Stoppers of Hamilton
Hamilton holds a special place in Crime Stoppers history as the birthplace of the first Crime Stoppers program in Ontario.
In 1982, Hamilton Police Chief Gordon V. Torrance attended an International Chiefs of Police conference where he was introduced to an innovative crime-solving concept that was transforming communities across North America. Recognizing its potential, he brought the idea back to Hamilton and tasked officers with exploring how the program could be established locally.
Working alongside the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and community leaders, months of planning led to the launch of Crime Stoppers of Hamilton in May 1983. Detective Jim Willis served as the program’s first Coordinator, while Bernie Gillespie of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce became its first Chairperson.
From the beginning, Crime Stoppers was built on a simple but powerful partnership between law enforcement, the media, and the community. Guided by a volunteer civilian Board of Directors, the program was designed to give citizens a safe, anonymous way to share information about criminal activity without fear of retaliation.
More than four decades later, that mission remains unchanged. Crime Stoppers continues to help prevent, solve, and reduce crime by empowering citizens to speak up anonymously. The promise of anonymity, protection from court involvement, and the possibility of a cash reward have made Crime Stoppers one of the most effective community-based crime prevention programs in Canada.
Today, the familiar 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) hotline remains available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, connecting citizens with a trusted and anonymous way to make a difference in their community.
Crime Stoppers founder Greg MacAleese visited Hamilton during a national conference, giving us the opportunity to sit down and hear the remarkable story behind the program.
Discover how a revolutionary idea, anonymous tips, crime re-enactments, and cash rewards, grew into a global movement that has helped solve countless crimes.
