Hamilton Police Service has enhanced its online reporting section to make it easier for residents to report hate/bias incidents.

In 2019, there were a total of 92 hate/bias incidents reported to Hamilton Police. This number represents both suspected hate/bias incidents and criminal offences. Over the past 10 years, the average number of reported hate crimes is approximately 128.4 per year.

“We know hate crimes are generally under reported,” says Deputy Frank Bergen. “And we’ve heard loud and clear that people need a way to report incidents to police in a manner that is comfortable for them, without having to visit a police station.”

Reporting hate/bias incidents is an important step in stopping the cycle of hatred and preventing others from being victimized. The new online reporting option now allows individuals to report hate/bias incidents from the comfort of their homes. It also lets friends and family report on a victim’s behalf.

The majority of reported incidents in 2019 were directly related to religion, followed by racial bias and sexual orientation. Last year, the Black community, the Jewish community and the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community were the groups most frequently victimized.

“Hate crime in Hamilton is not acceptable. Left unchecked, we know hate crime can have a far reaching impact on communities. This new online reporting system is a way anyone can report a hate/bias incident and ensure appropriate resources are assigned to make our community safer,” says Bergen.

The new hate/bias reporting tool is available on the Hamilton Police website at www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca. Reporting hate/bias incidents can also be reported on the phone at 905-546-4925 or in person at any Hamilton Police station.