NCJ Number
189605
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2001 Pages: 23-25
Editor(s)
Karen E. Breseman
Date Published
2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examined campus police and their understanding, recognition and response to hate crime and bias-motivated incidents on diverse campus communities.
Abstract
Statistics revealed that college and university campuses are some of the most diverse communities in the country. Along with diversity can come misunderstandings and exacerbated racial and cultural tensions sometimes leading to hate incidents and crimes based on racial, gender, sexual orientation, or cultural intolerance. By understanding the nature and consequences of hate crimes and identifying functional ways to respond to these incidents, campus law enforcement can play a key role in promoting a safe and enjoyable campus environment. Law enforcement’s awareness of the different types of hate crimes can often help solve the crime itself. Hate crimes were broken into three major categories: reactive, impulsive, and premeditated. Campus police are encouraged to develop a standard operating procedure on responding to hate crimes or incidents, to receive training in professionalism, problem solving, conciliation, and use of force, and to develop standards for crime scene inquiries from the media . Colleges and universities are encouraged to formulate hate related policies, student awareness and training in rapid response to hate incidents, cooperation agreements with local law enforcement, and similar agreements with victim support agencies. Based on daily and weekly patrol logs, campus police have the potential to assess tension levels and take proactive steps to address and even prevent hate crimes. References