Hate/Bias Motivated Crimes Impact Our Community
Hate/Bias Motivated Crimes Impact Our Community
Hate/Bias Motivated Crimes (HMC) and incidents impact our community members in a number of negative ways. The residual impact of such crimes and incidents often result in feelings of fear, marginalization and alienation. In addition to these ill-effects, many members of the community find themselves confused by what constitutes a hate crime as they try to make sense of where the line is drawn between freedom of speech, and hate speech.
As an organization that’s committed to public safety, and the overall well-being of our community, Peel Regional Police (PRP) has made a concerted effort to educate the community members on these topics, while emphasizing the importance of calling the police to report such matters. This training video is an example of our commitment to educating our community members on HMC and incidents.
We have also implemented several other proactive strategies aimed at reducing the negative residual impact of HMC and incidents. Created and operationalized by our Equity and Inclusion Bureau (EIB), which serves as PRP’s policy centre on HMC, one such proactive strategy is referred to as ‘PRP’s Reassurance Protocol’. In an effort to ensure that the members of our community who are victimized by hate motivated crimes and incidents receive the necessary support and reassurance from PRP, and to help mitigate and minimize the above-noted concerns, members of PRP’s EIB will follow up with all victims of HMC’s and incidents and ensure that support services are made available to them. This protocol has been very well received by the members of the community that have been impacted by HMC and incidents. The empathetic and supportive nature of this practice has resulted in victims feeling an additional layer of safety and support, thereby reducing the anxiety and fear that’s commonly associated with Hate-based incidents.
To learn more about HMC including what criminal code offences are related and how to report incidents click HERE
