Project Sommes: A New Model for Organized Retail Crime Collaboration

Detective Nathan Rowan began his career with the Hamilton Police Service in January 2010, building a reputation for leadership, strategic thinking, and operational excellence. Over the course of his career, he has served in a wide range of specialized roles, including Front Line Policing, Street Crime Enforcement, and Major Drugs and Gangs, gaining extensive investigative and enforcement experience.

In 2020, he was promoted to Sergeant, where he led investigations within the Crimes Against Children Unit before joining the Intelligence Branch as a member of a major project team focused on complex, high-impact investigations.

Recognizing a growing trend in organized, high-level retail theft, Detective Rowan took proactive action by launching Project Sommes in August 2025. This multi-jurisdictional investigation was designed to disrupt and dismantle a sophisticated retail theft network. Working collaboratively with retail partners and law enforcement agencies, the project prioritized community safety, strategic enforcement, and strengthened border integrity.

Inspector John Pauls is in his 25^th year of policing.  John began his career with the Halton Regional Police in 2001 working in Uniformed Patrol and the High Schools as a School Liaison Officer.  In 2006 he moved over to the Hamilton Police Service working in Frontline Patrol as well as being a part of the High Enforcement Action Team, Divisional Crime Manager and member of the Public Order Unit.  In 2011 he was promoted to Sergeant, where he led investigations in the Crimes Against Children Unit and Frontline Patrol.  In 2016 he was promoted to Staff Sergeant taking on roles in Frontline Patrol and the Case Preparation Unit.  In 2023 he was promoted to Inspector working in the Field Support Unit, overseeing the Communications Branch, Case Preparation Unit, and Court Services, before moving over to the Investigative Services Division where he oversees Intelligence, Major Drugs and Gangs and the BEAR Unit.

As Project Sommes progressed the need to collaborate and work with partnering agencies was apparent.  Project Sommes provided the opportunity to partner with other policing agencies, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, and work collectively with retail partners and members of Canada Border Services.