At least 5 officers with the Hamilton Police “action” squad are reportedly under arrest, after accusations they were issuing fake tickets.

The Hamilton Spectator is quoting a police source “not authorized to speak on the record”.

The internal investigation started last fall when a box was found with books of tickets that had been filled out but had not been handed out. It’s alleged the tickets were logged in court and counted in police statistics; however the accused were never notified and most of them were homeless people.

The officers have been on administrative duty since the allegations first surfaced.

CHCH News asked Hamilton Police Chief Glenn De Caire to comment on this latest development, but his spokesperson said they would not be commenting. Donna Skelly came to police headquarters to ask him in person, resulting in this tense exchange with corporate communications spokesperson Catherine Martin.

CHCH: “Are you going to be issuing any statement? We have six now, six officers with the Hamilton Police Services charges, and a police chief that isn’t speaking to the media or speaking to the public about this. Do you not think that he should be making some sort of a statement?”

Hamilton Police: “What I can confirm to you right now, as I previously issued to you approximately two hours ago, is that the Hamilton Police have an ongoing internal investigation. I am confirming that to you right now, and also advising, when we have an update, we will be providing that to you, and to the citizens. Thank you very much for asking.”

CHCH: “Have they been charged?”

Hamilton Police: “What I can confirm, is that we have an ongoing internal investigation.”

CHCH: “Is the police chief going to be making any comment?”

Hamilton Police: “When we have an update, we will provide you with an update. Thank you.”

This latest development follows a very high profile arrest involving another Hamilton police officer. Cst Craig Ruthowsky was charged in connection with a gang raid in the GTHA.

CHCH’s Donna Skelly will have a full report tonight on the Evening News at 6.