Police Board Member Resigns, Cites Major Oversight Issues

Hamilton police board member Dr. Anjali Menezes has stepped down from her role on the oversight body and is calling for its dissolution.

Menezes claims that the board has not performed its duties properly and that other members have treated her poorly.

In November 2023, Menezes – a family physician – became the first citizen appointee to the Hamilton Police Services Board after being nominated by a group of residents and councillors.

Since then, she stated in a letter to Hamilton city council on Thursday that the board has “actively presided over a profound failure of institutional oversight” and “is on a path to a crisis of legitimacy, and its actions are eroding the public’s trust in policing.”

CBC Hamilton obtained a copy of the letter that Menezes sent to city officials and media at 1 p. m. ET.

Menezes announced resignation in board meeting

“The citizens of Hamilton are legally entitled to an oversight body that actively governs. We deserve transparency, accountability, and fundamental dignity. Because none of these elements are present, I have been left with no alternative but to step down,” Menezes wrote.

At the beginning of Thursday’s meeting, Menezes read a brief statement announcing her resignation before leaving. No other board members responded immediately.

Chair Don Robertson called for a 15-minute break, stating that without Menezes, they didn’t have enough members for quorum. The meeting resumed around 1:30 p. m., continuing with its agenda.

In a brief email sent by the board’s executive director, Kirsten Stevenson on Friday, it was noted that they had informed the city about the vacant position on the board.

“The Board remains focused on providing effective governance of the Hamilton Police Service and will continue its work on behalf of the community and in adherence to the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 and its regulations,” read the statement.

Commitment to some communities only ‘symbolic’: Menezes

Menezes expressed on Thursday that as an “equity scholar, and a neurodiverse, racialized woman,” she was “deeply aware that large segments of our community harbour a profound mistrust of law enforcement.”

She mentioned that her appointment was meant to represent support for those communities but said this commitment has remained largely symbolic.

Menezes reported experiencing “persistent mistreatment” from her colleagues which included “commentary” she described as “exclusionary, patronizing, and focused on my identity.”

WATCH | In 2023, Menezes described her goals for her then-new role:

Why Anjali Menezes joined the board and what she hopes to achieve

Dr. Anjali Menezes is the newest member of Hamilton’s police board.

She pointed out how resistance towards different viewpoints like hers showed up in various ways such as:

Members labeling her consistently as someone who wants to defund police based on stereotypes. Chairs limiting her participation in meetings without reason. Members mispronouncing her name repeatedly over three years. Members filing “frivolous complaints” aimed at silencing those with differing opinions.

This alleged treatment isn’t just an isolated incident; according to Menezes it’s reflective of how this governing body perceives marginalized communities in Hamilton.

From her view, institutional failures include neglecting monitoring when police violate individuals’ rights or freedoms while failing to address hate crimes or racial disparities regarding police use of force.

Menezes alleged instead that the board has increasingly acted merely as an approving body without question during meetings while pushing back against accountable governance.

Call for solicitor general to dissolve board

Menezes indicated she filed an official complaint about mistreatment with one Ontario police oversight agency -the Inspectorate of Policing- in January 2025. This complaint is still active; she plans to submit more complaints soon.

CBC Hamilton reached out to confirm whether there is an investigation into her complaint but received no details since they don’t share specifics about individual cases while noting results from completed investigations are made public later.

The doctor also urged Ontario’s Ministry of Solicitor General to dissolve The Hamilton Police Service Board due these serious issues outlined by herself.

“The concerns I have raised regarding this board are grave. Given gross administrative misconduct & structural failure fulfilling legislative mandate under CSPA I urgently implore Solicitor General Ontario dissolve it immediately appoint independent administrator restore lawful transparent governance restore public trust,” she wrote.

CBC Hamilton additionally requested comments from ministry but did not receive responses right away.

Together With Ward Two Coun Cameron Kroetsch , Meneze often voiced dissent within The Police Board.

In January, she moved motion requesting commissioning external review following reporting regarding officer sharing racist extremist content social media.

Her motion failed five two , only voting favor were Menneses Kroetsch.

Anti-racism group thanks Menezes for service

In Letter written Thursday, Mennez reassured “not giving up” efforts saying finding common ground essential however when possible seek “alternative solutions”.

After resigning Lyndon George executive director Anti-Racism Resource Centre sent email thanking Mennezz services.

He stated resignation should prompt urgent reflection institutions’ better supporting diverse perspectives creating environments where community voices valued respected.

His allegations warrant full consideration by Council Inspector General Policing community leaders residents,” said George.

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