NCJ Number
129175
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Strong law enforcement is the appropriate response to hate crimes which are unlawful actions designed to frighten or harm an individual because of his or her race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
Abstract
It is essential to vigorously investigate, indict, and punish those who unleash their bigotry through cowardly acts of abuse, vandalism, and violence. The destruction and fear that these acts cause have ramifications in a free and democratic society well beyond the actual crime itself. Vigorous enforcement of State and Federal laws against hate crimes serves both the immediate victim and all those of the same targeted population. Local law enforcement agencies play a key role in combatting and deterring hate crimes. Police training focusing on how to identify a hate crime and how to deal with a victim's trauma is essential for an effective law enforcement response. 8 notes (Author abstract modified)