NCJ Number
136071
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The superintendent of the Chicago Police Department recommends that police agencies become aware of trends in bias-related crimes, deploy police personnel in ways to prevent victimization, and act promptly to identify offenders and bring them to justice.
Abstract
Hate groups need to identify someone as the culprit responsible for their misfortunes. Police personnel should recognize that they represent a sanctuary for potential victims and should make it clear that hate crimes will not be tolerated. Chicago has experienced a decrease in bias-related crime in the past 2 years, perhaps because of more effective law enforcement efforts. Its assessment centers try to track neighborhoods that are changing to determine whether a potential exists for any crime. They also communicate to individual families and the community that the department is committed to protecting the civil rights of all citizens. In addition, a cable network provides broadcasts from the police academy. The department's philosophy is that bias-related crime has no place in the United States and that law enforcement personnel must respond firmly and effectively to any incidents.