Statement from Scarlett Gillespie, Executive Director of the Sex Workers’ Action Program (SWAP) Hamilton
Today’s resignation of Dr. Anjali Menezes (@ringpops93) from the Hamilton Police Service Board (@hamiltonpoliceontario) marks the departure of a board member who consistently raised important questions about transparency, accountability, equity, and human and Charter rights in policing. Regardless of where people stood on particular issues, public institutions are strengthened when diverse perspectives are represented around the decision-making table.
As an organization that advocates for sex workers and other marginalized communities, @SWAPHamilton has long maintained that public trust in policing is built through transparency, meaningful community engagement, and independent civilian oversight. These principles are essential to ensuring that policing serves all Hamiltonians fairly and respectfully.
Hamilton continues to face complex challenges involving public safety, housing, mental health, addiction, gender-based violence, and systemic discrimination. Addressing these issues requires collaboration between police, community organizations, healthcare providers, and residents. It also requires governance bodies that welcome thoughtful dialogue and are willing to engage with difficult questions in the public interest.
We thank Dr. Menezes for her public service and wish her well in her future endeavours.
SWAP Hamilton remains committed to advocating for evidence-informed policy, meaningful civilian oversight, and community-centred approaches that advance safety, dignity, and human and Charter rights for everyone in our @cityofhamilton.
#HamOnt #CDNPoli #ONPoli #YHMVote #YHMCC
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