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“Lunch and Learn” Crime Prevention Series “Hate Crime Prevention” October 2014. City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Eric L. Holmes Commander Zone 2. Zone Two 2000 Centre Ave. PITTSBURGH BUREAU OF POLICE MISSION STATEMENT
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“Lunch and Learn” Crime Prevention Series “Hate Crime Prevention” October 2014 City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Eric L. Holmes Commander Zone 2
PITTSBURGH BUREAU OF POLICE MISSION STATEMENT “Our mandate is the continued protection and enhancement of our diverse neighborhoods by working in partnership with our citizens to creatively solve problems always remaining sensitive to the authority with which we’re entrusted.”
What Is a Hate Crime? A hate crime is a crime that is committed against a person because of prejudice or bias. Victims of hate crimes are singled out simply because of their perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibility, physical handicap, matriculation, or political affiliation.
Examples of hate crimes include: • Physical attack • Destruction of property • Cross burnings • Vandalism • Telephone harassment • Painting swastikas and other hate symbols • Use of racial slurs • Verbal abuse • Etc.
Hate crimes are illegal, unacceptable, and hurt all in the community.
The law included Sexual Orientation until 2010 when it was amended and Sexual Orientation was removed as a protected class
Why Hate Crimes Should Be Reported A person who commits a hate crime cannot be brought to justice and held accountable for his or her acts if the crime is not reported.
Why Hate Crimes Must Be Stopped Unlike other crimes that target individuals, bias-related acts have a tremendous effect on an entire community. When one person is targeted because of his or her race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or other characteristic, others in the community who were not the direct targets of the hate crime may also feel at risk. Tensions between different communities can also arise as a result of a hate crime. We must work together to stop hate crimes.
How do we combat Hate Crimes Police and the Public?
What can you do to reduce hate crimes? • Report all crimes and any suspicious activity or person immediately to the Pittsburgh Police by dialing 911. • Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk in groups when you can. • Always be aware of your surroundings, wherever you are. If you are wearing headphones, do not turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
What can you do to reduce hate crimes? • Stay in well-lit or heavily traveled areas. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. • If someone attempts to rob you, do not resist. It is better to give up your property than to risk injury. • Never agree to meet in person with someone you just met online • Don’t leave an establishment with a stranger. Arrange a future date in a public place.
How Do I Report Hate Crimes? • If you have been the victim of a hate crime, know of, or have witnessed a hate crime, you can report it by calling 911