Hamilton Police Association has a new president

The Hamilton Police Association has a new president, and for the first time, a sworn female officer is leading the union representing Hamilton police officers.

Jaimi Bannon took over the job Jan. 4 after beating out Clint Twolan - HPA president for the last six years - in an election in November. About 80 per cent of officers turned out to vote.

Bannon said she's proud to be the first sworn woman to lead the HPA and also the only current female police association president in Ontario. Joanne Engelhart, a civilian dispatcher, was president for a term. But being a female leader wasn't Bannon's reason for running.

I want to be a voice for our members," she said, adding that in the current climate there is a lot of criticism of police. Too often the public don't understand how policing here is regulated and funded differently than other parts of the world.

I ran because I wanted to lead the membership, I want to serve them and let the world know how good Hamilton police officers are," she said.

Officers want something to be said."

Bannon ran on a platform of change, to be someone more approachable and who will work with senior command to advocate for creative solutions to problems.

I'm going to be a mother bear," she said.

Bannon comes to the job with 27 years of experience as a cop in Hamilton.

She graduated from the Ontario Police College in 1993, while working as a special constable with the University of Waterloo police. She applied and was accepted to Hamilton Police Service in October 1994.

She spent much of her career working patrol and 10 years in traffic, including the last three as a detective constable in the collision reconstruction unit where she investigated the city's most horrific crashes.

Bannon said she believes her background in street policing gives her a good perspective to represent members.

I love this job," she said of police work.

She also said Hamilton has a lot to be proud of, including being leaders in creating units that deal with people in crisis and those with mental illness. She'd like to see units like the mobile crisis rapid response team (MCRRT) and social navigator expanded.

There has been tension between the office of the chief and the HPA recently that Bannon hopes to change.

In December, Hamilton police Chief Eric Girt announced his retirement. Having a new chief and a new police association president at the same is an opportunity for a fresh start," Bannon said.

The HPA is not involved in selecting the new chief - that is up to the Hamilton police board - but she does look forward to advocating for officers and building a collaborative relationship with whomever fills the role.

The main role of the association is also collective bargaining and representing officers in disciplinary issues.

This July, the Hamilton Police Association is marking 100 years. A celebration is planned at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, depending on the pandemic.

I am leading us into the centennial year," Bannon said, adding that's pretty cool."

Bannon is married and has four adult children. She's also spent time volunteering in the community including in minor hockey and breakfast programs. She was on the police association board for four years before her win.

Bannon says she plans to stay on as president for at least three years, at which time she could retire or decide to run again if she had unfinished business."

She said it's important to note she's never going back to police work and is not looking for advancement within HPS.

I'm here for the team, to help members," she said.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com