New police chief takes charge in Hazel Park

HAZEL PARK — William Hamel first joined the Hazel Park Police Department nearly 30 years ago. Now he has been promoted to the department’s top spot, tasked with overseeing the safety and security of “The Friendly City.”

“I feel humbled and honored that the city manager and City Council have chosen me to lead the department,” Hamel said. “I’ve been with the department for 28 years. There is no other place that I’d love to move onto. I feel Hazel Park is my home.”

Over the years, Hamel has worn many hats, including patrol officer, field training officer, detective, auto theft detective, patrol sergeant, field training supervisor, patrol lieutenant, detective lieutenant and, most recently, acting chief.

“Being assigned to auto theft detective, and working with the sheriff’s department, was an especially enjoyable experience,” Hamel said. “I had the opportunity to work with many other departments and to work closely with the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. I even investigated cases that led out of state as far as Arizona.”

Hamel’s predecessor, Brian Buchholz, retired in early June after seven years as police chief, and after more than 26 years of police service.

“Brian Buchholz was a friend. I very much enjoyed working under him. I know that he and I both relied upon each other in moving the department forward,” Hamel said. “I just wish him all the success in the future, and that he just enjoys his retirement.”

Prior to Hazel Park, Hamel worked as a dispatcher for Pleasant Ridge and Huntington Woods, and as a reserve officer for Madison Heights. He also worked part time as a police officer for Wixom after graduating from the Oakland Police Academy. He earned his degree in criminal justice and law enforcement there in the mid-1990s.

As Hamel proves, the education of police is ongoing. He has received additional training over the years ranging from homicide and crime scene investigations, to field training and grant writing, to active shooter training and biased police training.

“Training is always ongoing,” Hamel said. “One of the reasons I wanted to stay here as chief is to help out my command staff and younger officers in making sure they get the training they need so they can be successful. As chief, I expect that I myself will be attending further training to better understand the position.”

Hamel currently has a force of 32 sworn officers at his command, as well as three dispatchers, two staff in records, two part-time clerks and an administrative assistant.

He said his team has seen an increase in calls for service regarding mental health incidents. The Hazel Park Police Department is in the process of implementing a co-responder program with the cities of Madison Heights, Royal Oak and Ferndale, as well as the county. When the police respond to a mental health call, the program will provide for mental health professionals who will follow up with the victim after the scene is secure, offering assistance.

Reports of road rage and erratic driving have also been on the rise. In response, Hamel has directed additional patrols to specific problem areas to monitor traffic. This is on top of routine patrols that the police already conduct in the neighborhoods.

Hiring and training have been another challenge, Hamel said. The chief noted that qualified candidates are hard to come by, so the department acquired funding to put candidates through the police academy. He said departments across the state are competing for new hires.

At the same time, statewide training standards for police officers have been changing, he said, requiring the department to continually tweak its own practices.

That being said, Hamel’s overall philosophy is one of consistency.

“In Hazel Park, I’ve worked under four police chiefs. I took note of the issues they faced and how they handled them during their tenure,” he said. “I remember how I was treated as a patrol officer by my supervisors. The people that work under me are dedicated individuals who are here for the right reasons. (As police chief), you treat them with respect; you’re honest with them, and you’re clear with your expectations.

“I don’t plan on major changes in how the department will be run. Chiefs before me have already done the hard work,” he said. “We’ll continue to work together with the other city departments and the school district to keep Hazel Park a good place to live and work. For a police department to be successful, it needs the community’s support and good relationship. We have that in Hazel Park. I’m looking forward to maintaining those good community relationships, and building new ones.”

Hamel’s new position was confirmed by the Hazel Park City Council at its meeting June 11.

“He always performs his duties in an exemplary manner,” said City Manager Ed Klobucher during the meeting. “(Hamel) is intelligent, an excellent communicator, and he has the respect of the men and women who serve in the Hazel Park Police Department.”

The audience applauded after Hamel was unanimously approved by the council.

“We all love Brian (Buchholz), but you’re also gonna love Bill Hamel, and I think the city is going to love Bill Hamel,” Klobucher told those in attendance. “I’m excited about him serving as our chief of police.”

Mayor Mike Webb said he’s confident that Hamel is up to the task.

“Congratulations, and welcome to the new chief,” Webb said after the meeting. “(Hamel) has been part of our organization for many years, and he’s been moving up the ranks. I’m sure he’ll do a great job. The last chief (Buchholz) also did a wonderful job — I wish him the very best in retirement.”