Concerns Regarding Hamilton Police Service Member and Extremism - Public Statement, Letter to HPS Service Board

March 2, 2026

HAMILTON, ON - The Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) is raising serious concerns regarding the return to service of Renato Greco of the Hamilton Police Service, and reports that his personal vehicle has been seen displaying a new decal that is contextually associated with white nationalist extremism.

Symbols matter.

The phrase “In hoc signo vinces” (“In this sign, you will conquer”) is traditionally associated with Constantine the Great and has deep historical roots within Christian tradition. However, certain historical symbols and phrases have been appropriated by extremist movements in ways that distort their original meaning and promote exclusion, racial hierarchy, and religious intolerance.

Context is essential.

When encountering symbols that have been linked in specific contemporary contexts to white nationalist or extremist movements, it is critical to examine associated imagery, language, affiliations, and broader patterns of behaviour. Symbols do not exist in isolation. Their meaning is shaped by how, where, and by whom they are displayed. For example, the phrase was used by American Nazi party founder George Lincoln Rockwell, who titled a 1960 pamphlet “In Hoc Signo Vinces,” using it to express his belief that the white race had to “reconquer the Earth.”

Due to a previous suspension for disturbing online posts by Constable Greco, reported by the CBC and HARRC’s complaint to the Hamilton Professional Standards regarding the Diagolon decal displayed on the service member's vehicle parked outside the central station. This new symbol raises serious questions. 

Public confidence in policing depends on trust and the clear rejection of all forms of hate and extremist ideology. When symbolism with documented associations to exclusionary or supremacist movements appears connected to a member of the Hamilton Police Service, it raises legitimate community concerns about bias, safety, and institutional accountability.

HARRC is not suggesting that all historical or religious imagery is inherently extremist. We are, however, emphasizing that when historical imagery is weaponized or appears in contexts that align with coded forms of hate, institutions must respond with transparency and seriousness.

Communities targeted by white nationalist and extremist movements, including Black, Jewish, Muslim, immigrant, and racialized residents of Hamilton, deserve assurance that those entrusted with public safety do not engage in conduct that could reasonably be interpreted as signaling alignment with ideologies that threaten their dignity or inclusion.

HARRC calls for:

• The Governor General to consider rescinding Constable Greco’s Exemplary Service Medal

• A reconsideration of the Hamilton Police Service Board motion in relation to policies regarding symbols associated with extremist movements

• As part of the Hamilton Police Service Board April training session; that it includes the Ontario Human Rights Commission and an anti-hate awareness training subject expert on hate symbols and extremism. 

HARRC remains committed to confronting coded forms of hate. When historical imagery is weaponized to exclude or intimidate, we will continue to stand with those targeted and advocate for an inclusive Hamilton rooted in accountability and trust.

-- The Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC)