NCJ Number
136062
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
State and local law enforcement agencies should train all their personnel to recognize, respond to, and effectively deal with bias-motivated crimes and should be aware that victims' needs are much greater in these cases than for victims of similar crimes that do not involve bias.
Abstract
Many law enforcement personnel may not believe that they need a plan because they think that they do not have a problem. However, they should reconsider this view and consider the effects of the delay and ineffective response in the Tawana Brawley incident. New York City's police department established its Bias Incident Investigating Unit in 1980. The unit conducts field investigations, analyzes bias incidents, provides victim assistance, maintains liaison with prosecutors and other officials, and provides staff assistance for in-servicing training at the police precinct level. Other agencies considering establishing such a unit should consider the extent of the problem, the agency's current response, community attitudes, and alternative measures. Future responses to bias-related crime should include State legislation regarding standardized reporting; State encouragement of local school programs to develop racial, ethnic, and religious harmony; and assistance to victims in pursuing all legal actions to which they are entitled.