A Hamilton police officer, who returned to duty following an inquiry into sharing racist and extremist material online, has been reported by a community group for displaying a sticker associated with white nationalist extremism on his personal vehicle. The Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) revealed that Const. Renato Greco’s Jeep featured a decal with a Knights Templar crest, a symbol linked to white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups. The sticker bears a phrase used in a 1960 pamphlet by George Lincoln Rockwell, the founder of the American Nazi Party, as stated by HARRC.
Although these symbols may have historical or religious significance, their current usage in extremist circles has altered their meaning, particularly for communities historically targeted by hate, according to HARRC. CBC verified through a license plate check that the vehicle belongs to Greco. Last year, prior to the investigation, the vehicle was spotted with a Diagolon sticker on the left bumper outside the police station.
The new sticker, replacing the Diagolon decal, displays the name of an online store selling stickers and patches. HARRC calls on the Hamilton Police Services Board to conduct an independent review of how police address hate and extremism internally. The group also urges the Governor General of Canada to reconsider awarding Greco an exemplary service medal he received in 2023. The medals are nominated by police leaders, with approximately 800 awarded annually.
Following a complaint from HARRC about the latest sticker, the Hamilton Police Service forwarded the issue to the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency (LECA) for review. LECA has 30 days to determine if an investigation is warranted. Experts noted that the new sticker on Greco’s Jeep references the Crusades and has been appropriated by white supremacist movements. The symbol’s use by a police officer is deemed concerning by experts and community members.
In response to community concerns, the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) expressed disappointment in the police decision to retain Greco in a non-public-facing role. HCCI emphasized the need for accountability and action against hate and racism within the police force to ensure community safety. HCCI called for Greco’s dismissal and criticized the police response to the situation, raising questions about trust and integrity within the force.
Hamilton Police Services Board Chair Don Robertson did not provide a comment on the matter. The police aim to enhance their response to hate symbols by collaborating with experts like Barbara Perry from the Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism at Ontario Tech University for training in recognizing and addressing relevant incidents.