Stop the Abuse of Power from Security at a Hamilton housing elderly residences
The Issue
To:
Adam Sweedland, adam.sweedland@hamilton.ca
Chief Executive Officer, City of Hamilton
55 Hess St S, PO Box 2500, 23rd Floor
Hamilton, ON, L8N 4E5
Subject: Petition to Address Security Concerns and Harassment Issues at 226 Rebecca St, Hamilton, ON.
Dear, Adam Sweedland, CEO of Hamilton Housing,
We, the concerned residents of 226 Rebecca St, in Hamilton, Hamilton Housing property, we are writing this petition to bring to you the alarming situation regarding the behavior of the current security personne, on in particular named Gabe. It has come to our attention that instead of ensuring our safety, the said security officer has been engaging in various forms of harassment, intimidation, and discrimination towards the residents and their guests.
We believe that a secure and peaceful living environment is essential for the overall well-being and quality of life of the residents. However, the actions of this security personnel have created an atmosphere of fear, distress, and unease within our community. We kindly request that immediate action be taken to rectify this situation and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
We would like to highlight two recent incidents that vividly demonstrate the clear escalation in the actions of both the residents involved and the security guard in question.
Incident 1: On Friday, July 7, 2023, and the following week, a distressing incident occurred at the entrance of our building. A young lady, who was assisting an elderly resident with her cat, was trying to enter the building. However, a group of tenants, who have aligned themselves with the security guard, obstructed her entry, subjected her to verbal abuse, and physically blocked her from accessing the building. This incident escalated to the point where the police were called on site. Shockingly, during this incident, the security guard witnessed the entire situation but claimed not to have seen anything when asked for assistance. This inaction and denial of the incident allowed further harm and harassment to occur, including one resident exposing himself to the young lady. The lack of intervention by the security guard and the false statements made by some residents to the police highlight the urgent need for addressing this distressing situation.
Incident 2: Another concerning incident involves the racial discrimination and harassment experienced by people of color when trying to enter the building. Multiple occasions have witnessed residents and their visitors being subjected to racial slurs and derogatory comments, which create an unwelcoming and hostile environment. Witnesses, including the granddaughter of one tenant, have been troubled by these incidents. Despite reporting these occurrences to building management, no visible actions have been taken to address the tenants involved or the security guard who allows such behavior to persist.
Furthermore, we have also become aware of instances where false complaints are being filed against targeted residents to unjustly seek their eviction. These fabricated complaints, such as false noise disturbances or unfounded claims of late-night furniture moving, are intended to intimidate and bully residents. It is disheartening to note that the security guard has not taken any measures to identify the culprits responsible for vandalizing residents' property, including writing vulgar names on their doors, even though there are security cameras on-site. This neglect further demonstrates the abuse of power and the fear that residents live with on a daily basis.
Considering the severity and frequency of these incidents, we urge you to take immediate action by implementing the following measures:
1. Conduct a thorough investigation: Initiate a comprehensive investigation into the allegations against the security officer, ensuring transparency and protection for those who provide information.
2. Removal of the security officer: If the investigation substantiates the allegations of harassment, discrimination, and misconduct, we request the immediate termination of the security officer responsible for these actions. A new security officer, who will prioritize the safety and well-being of the residents, should be appointed in their place.
3. Introduction of a code of conduct: Implement a clear and comprehensive code of conduct for all security personnel working in our building, outlining expected behavior, guidelines, and repercussions for any misconduct or harassment.
4. Training and education: Arrange regular training sessions and workshops for security personnel to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle their responsibilities professionally and respectfully.
It is crucial that these actions are taken promptly to restore a safe, inclusive, and harmonious living environment for all residents. The residents of this building should not live in constant fear of eviction or harassment. We request a meeting with the building management and relevant stakeholders to discuss these matters further. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to resolving this issue promptly.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Rae Monahan
65
The Issue
To:
Adam Sweedland, adam.sweedland@hamilton.ca
Chief Executive Officer, City of Hamilton
55 Hess St S, PO Box 2500, 23rd Floor
Hamilton, ON, L8N 4E5
Subject: Petition to Address Security Concerns and Harassment Issues at 226 Rebecca St, Hamilton, ON.
Dear, Adam Sweedland, CEO of Hamilton Housing,
We, the concerned residents of 226 Rebecca St, in Hamilton, Hamilton Housing property, we are writing this petition to bring to you the alarming situation regarding the behavior of the current security personne, on in particular named Gabe. It has come to our attention that instead of ensuring our safety, the said security officer has been engaging in various forms of harassment, intimidation, and discrimination towards the residents and their guests.
We believe that a secure and peaceful living environment is essential for the overall well-being and quality of life of the residents. However, the actions of this security personnel have created an atmosphere of fear, distress, and unease within our community. We kindly request that immediate action be taken to rectify this situation and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
We would like to highlight two recent incidents that vividly demonstrate the clear escalation in the actions of both the residents involved and the security guard in question.
Incident 1: On Friday, July 7, 2023, and the following week, a distressing incident occurred at the entrance of our building. A young lady, who was assisting an elderly resident with her cat, was trying to enter the building. However, a group of tenants, who have aligned themselves with the security guard, obstructed her entry, subjected her to verbal abuse, and physically blocked her from accessing the building. This incident escalated to the point where the police were called on site. Shockingly, during this incident, the security guard witnessed the entire situation but claimed not to have seen anything when asked for assistance. This inaction and denial of the incident allowed further harm and harassment to occur, including one resident exposing himself to the young lady. The lack of intervention by the security guard and the false statements made by some residents to the police highlight the urgent need for addressing this distressing situation.
Incident 2: Another concerning incident involves the racial discrimination and harassment experienced by people of color when trying to enter the building. Multiple occasions have witnessed residents and their visitors being subjected to racial slurs and derogatory comments, which create an unwelcoming and hostile environment. Witnesses, including the granddaughter of one tenant, have been troubled by these incidents. Despite reporting these occurrences to building management, no visible actions have been taken to address the tenants involved or the security guard who allows such behavior to persist.
Furthermore, we have also become aware of instances where false complaints are being filed against targeted residents to unjustly seek their eviction. These fabricated complaints, such as false noise disturbances or unfounded claims of late-night furniture moving, are intended to intimidate and bully residents. It is disheartening to note that the security guard has not taken any measures to identify the culprits responsible for vandalizing residents' property, including writing vulgar names on their doors, even though there are security cameras on-site. This neglect further demonstrates the abuse of power and the fear that residents live with on a daily basis.
Considering the severity and frequency of these incidents, we urge you to take immediate action by implementing the following measures:
1. Conduct a thorough investigation: Initiate a comprehensive investigation into the allegations against the security officer, ensuring transparency and protection for those who provide information.
2. Removal of the security officer: If the investigation substantiates the allegations of harassment, discrimination, and misconduct, we request the immediate termination of the security officer responsible for these actions. A new security officer, who will prioritize the safety and well-being of the residents, should be appointed in their place.
3. Introduction of a code of conduct: Implement a clear and comprehensive code of conduct for all security personnel working in our building, outlining expected behavior, guidelines, and repercussions for any misconduct or harassment.
4. Training and education: Arrange regular training sessions and workshops for security personnel to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle their responsibilities professionally and respectfully.
It is crucial that these actions are taken promptly to restore a safe, inclusive, and harmonious living environment for all residents. The residents of this building should not live in constant fear of eviction or harassment. We request a meeting with the building management and relevant stakeholders to discuss these matters further. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to resolving this issue promptly.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Rae Monahan
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on July 14, 2023