NCJ Number
190794
Date Published
2001
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This circular standardizes hate-crime and hate-incident information presented by the Los Angeles Police Department at community crime prevention meetings and to the public at large.
Abstract
A "hate crime" is defined as "any criminal act or attempted criminal act directed against a person or persons based on the victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or position in a labor dispute." "Hate incidents" involve actions that express bias or hate against persons or groups but do not rise to the level of a crime. In addition to defining hate crimes and hate incidents, as well as citing examples, this circular outlines the characteristics of people who commit hate crimes, why they commit them, and common characteristics of hate-crime victims. The circular also discusses the harms done by hate crimes and incidents, as well as what the Los Angeles Police Department has done to respond to and counter hate crimes, including the development of specialized procedures for the police handling of hate crimes and hate incidents. The circular offers detailed advice on how to keep from becoming a victim of a hate crime or incident. Attention is given to the Internet, bar and nightclub predators, home security, what to do if a stranger comes to the front door, intruders, telephone calls, while away from home, returning home, key control, apartments and condominiums, Neighborhood Watch, walking, driving, parking, returning to the car, car trouble, if followed while driving, public transportation, at work, outdoor activities, verbal abuse, and what to do if attacked. Information is also provided on victim rights and services.