Community Involvement and Interagency Cooperation in the Prevention of Hate Crimes (From Bias Crime: The Law Enforcement Response, P 83-92, 1991, Nancy Taylor, ed. -- See NCJ-136058)

• NCJ Number: 136065
• Author(s): T Ferry
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Law enforcement agencies should work with other community agencies to develop effective programs to prevent bias-related crimes because both community involvement and interagency cooperation have crucial roles in this effort.

Abstract

Although each agency should design strategies that are tailored to its own situation, certain policy recommendations apply regardless of the agency's size. The first step should be to define the role and responsibilities of the law enforcement agency's leader. A written directive specifying operating policies and procedures should be established before undertaking external activities. To increase interagency cooperation in addressing hate crimes, law enforcement agencies should also receive thorough training in the subject, develop cooperative programs such as information exchange and training support, take part in a coordinating structure, and promote cooperation through department policies and procedures. They should also recognize that the criminal justice system includes not only the official agencies, but also the broader system involving public and private agencies and the legislature. Both systems must be involved in preventing hate crimes.