Hamilton Police Pipe Band was formed in 1961 by a group of officers from the Hamilton Police Service in Ontario. In its early years, membership was restricted to serving police officers, with Gord Macfarlane named as the first Pipe Major. The band later opened membership to the wider public, including both male and female civilian players, while retaining its police identity and ceremonial role.

The band developed into both a public-service and competitive organisation, performing at police ceremonies, parades, civic events and community occasions. Competitively, it has risen as high as Grade 2, and has recorded major successes in Ontario and North America, including North American Championship wins across several grades.

Today, Hamilton Police Pipe Band continues to represent the Hamilton Police Service and the city’s Scottish musical tradition, combining community performance, competition and teaching. A proper polis band then: smart turnout, strong chanters, and no tolerance for sloppy cuttings.