The Department recognizes the prevalence of underreporting of hate crimes in the County, and is committed to vigilantly identifying, documenting, investigating and pursuing prosecution of hate crimes. In May 2018, the California State Auditor’s Office conducted an audit regarding law enforcement and hate crimes. It was found that victims underreport incidents of hate crimes, especially anti-disability and anti-gender hate crimes.
To facilitate the guidelines contained within this policy and remedy such underreporting, Department members, as designated by the Unit Commander, such as the Department or unit Hate Crime Coordinators, community relations personnel, or personnel at individual stations/units, will continuously work to build and strengthen relationships with the community, engage in dialogue, and provide education to the community about this policy. Department members are also encouraged to learn about the inherent issues concerning their communities in relation to hate crimes. To accomplish this, Department personnel:
Should make an affirmative effort to establish contact with persons and groups within the community who are likely targets of hate crimes and form networks that address prevention and response;
Shall access assistance by, among other things, making the proper notification to the Department Hate Crimes Coordinator, who will in turn activate the California Department of Justice Hate Crime Rapid Response Protocol when necessary;
Shall provide victim assistance and follow-up as outlined below, including community follow-up (e.g. providing Department-issued victim resource material, participating in community meetings to address hate acts, etc.);
Should educate community and civic groups about hate crime laws; and
Should work with civic groups, community organizations, and their leaders to coordinate and participate in public meetings, local group meetings, and school assemblies regarding hate crime laws and recognizing, preparing for, and preventing hate crimes.