Awareness Training for Police; Bias-motivated crimes (From Bias Crime: The Law Enforcement Response, P 35-42 1991, Nancy Taylor, ed. -- See NCJ-136058)

• NCJ Number: 136061
• Author(s): W Petterson
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Police administrators should consider several issues and the experiences of other police agencies when deciding on the appropriate response and establishing police policies and procedures to bias-related crime.

Abstract

Bias-related violence and other bias crimes attack an individual's integrity and threaten the well-being of the community. The level of violence varies with each crime. Some bias crimes are spontaneous; others can be anticipated. Decisions regarding responses to complaints of verbal intimidation are complex. A 1984 survey by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement found that 20 of the 51 responding agencies had a written policy on bias crimes. Another survey received 38 responses from the 50 largest police agencies and found that 12 departments had a written policy. The other agencies often reported that too few incidents occurred to require a policy. The survey revealed that a policy should include a statement opposing bias crimes, a definition using the State law or local ordinance, a summary of legislation, and police procedures. Police could also receive training through recruit and in-service training. Such training should cover both law and procedures related both to the crime and to victim assistance. William Ker Muir's 1977 book also provides useful guidance regarding the qualities crucial to a professional officer.