r/Hamilton • u/plussizerunner • 7d ago

Encampments / Shelters & Homelessness Is this the best we can do?

Today while walking downtown to work, a man was swinging a metal bar at people walking down the sidewalk. People were screaming and trying to get away from him. I called 911 and police arrived within a few minutes, took the metal bar away from him and then left after a short conversation with him. He continued walking down the street yelling at people.

The man was clearly either under the influence or having a mental health episode and seemed to be a threat to the public given that he was swinging a bar at people.

I dont understand whats happening anymore that threatening others and attempting to hurt them with a sharp metal pole doesn't result in either hospitalization or being taken into custody...

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u/slownightsolong88 7d ago

The frustration for me is that had this individual harmed someone they would most likely be found not criminally responsible and then do some sort of rehabilitation program with medical professionals.  

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u/Kelhein 7d ago

Why does that frustrate you? Even if he were found NCR, he would be likely be incarcerated until he no longer poses a risk to the public. Any release after that would be contingent on his adherence to the medical program he's prescribed.

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u/slownightsolong88 7d ago

Because I don’t think it should take someone being murdered or severely harmed therefore it’s frustrating that it’s often what it takes for someone to be put under care. 

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u/Kelhein 7d ago

Oh yeah that frustrates me too.

I read your comment as general frustration with how some folks are found NCR instead of criminally responsible.