‘Hate crime in Hamilton is not acceptable’ HPS launches review team

Hamilton police have launched a Hate Crime Case Review Team in response to hate-motivated crimes in the city.

The team will partner with local community organizations to review cases, provide recommendations and advise on training.

The members will work together to develop comprehensive recommendations to improve outcomes for hate crime victims.

Over the past eight years, police received on average roughly 121 reports of a hate crime per year.

Hamilton police say there was a total of 80 hate/bias incidents reported in 2020. The number includes both suspected incidents as well as criminal offences.

Last year, the majority of reported incidents were directly related to racial bias, followed by religion and sexual orientation. Police say the Black community, the Jewish community and the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community were the groups most frequently victimized.

“We have listened to the community that increasing transparency and opportunities for community engagement is required in rebuilding trust,” said Chief Frank Bergen in a news release. “Working alongside the community to identify wraparound approaches will be integral to creating informed solutions.”

The review will include an internal and external analysis of hate crime investigations, as well as looking at policies, procedures, and training, police say.

The team is being modelled after the Sexual Assault Community Review Team which launched in 2018 after a report found roughly 70 per cent of sexual assault cases Hamilton police deemed unfounded were not.

Extra support for victims of hate crimes will also be available. Police say the Hate Crime Detective and Victim Services will now speak with the victim and provide emotional support, assist in safety planning, provide community referrals, and guide victims on accessing financial support in some cases.

“Hate crime in Hamilton is not acceptable. Left unchecked, we know hate crime can have a far reaching impact on communities. We must come together and work collaboratively to eliminate hate in our city,” said Bergen.