What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime is not just an offense; it's a violation against individuals and communities based on prejudice and intolerance. According to Section 422.55 of the California Penal Code, a hate crime is defined as a criminal act committed, in whole or in part, because of one or more of the following actual or perceived characteristics of the victim:

(1) Disability
(2) Gender
(3) Nationality
(4) Race or ethnicity
(5) Religion
(6) Sexual orientation
(7) Association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics

Hate crimes can manifest in various forms, including physical assault, verbal harassment, cyberbullying, property damage, and more. These acts not only harm the individual but also instill fear and insecurity within entire communities.

What is a Hate Incident?

A hate incident is an action or behavior motivated by hate or bias but legally protected by the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. Examples of hate incidents include:

• Name-calling
• Insults and epithets
• Distributing hate material in public places
• Displaying hate material on your own property

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects most speech, even when it is disagreeable, offensive, or hurtful. The following types of speech are generally not protected:

• Fighting words
• True threats
• Perjury
• Blackmail
• Incitement to lawless action
• Conspiracy
• Solicitation to commit any crime

PSPD Hate Crime Policy

Policy 320

Why Report Hate Crimes?

• Justice for Victims: Reporting enables law enforcement to take action to find and prosecute perpetrators, offering a path to justice for victims.
• Support and Resources: It connects victims and affected communities with necessary support services, including counseling, legal assistance, and community support groups.
• Prevention: It helps in understanding the frequency and nature of hate crimes, which is vital for developing strategies to prevent future incidents.
• Community Trust: Transparent reporting and active response to hate crimes build trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
• Awareness: It raises public awareness about the prevalence and impact of hate crimes, fostering a community stance against hate and intolerance.

How to report a hate crime

If you believe you have been a victim of a hate crime, or if you witness what you believe to be a hate crime, we urge you to report it to the Palm Springs Police Department immediately. You can report a hate crime by:

In Emergency Situations Calling: 911
Calling our non-emergency number: 760-327-1441
Visiting our station in person: 200 S. Civic Drive, Palm Springs CA 

Your courage in reporting can make a difference. Every report is a step towards justice and a stand against hatred and intolerance. Our department is committed to investigating every hate crime thoroughly and providing victims with the support they need.

PSPD Hate Crime Data

Data related to hate crimes reported in Palm Springs will be uploaded on a monthly basis after the data is reported to the National Incident - Based Reporting System (NIBRS). 

DATA LINK

RESOURCES

Federal Resources:

United States Department of Justice - Hate Crimes: This page provides an overview of hate crimes, laws, and resources available through the Department of Justice, including ways to report hate crimes and access support for victims.

National Institute of Justice - Overview of Hate Crime: Offers research and analysis on hate crimes, including their impact on communities and strategies for prevention.

FBI - Hate Crimes: This section of the FBI's website provides data on hate crimes, including statistics and efforts to combat bias-motivated crimes.

Office for Victims of Crime - Hate Crimes: Part of the U.S. Department of Justice, this office provides resources and support for victims of hate crimes, including grant programs and training for service providers.

State Resources:

State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General - Hate Crimes: Provides information on hate crimes, resources for reporting, and the Attorney General's Hate Crime Rapid Response Protocol.

CA vs Hate: A non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Offers resources and support for individuals targeted by hate.

California Victim Compensation Board - Local Resources for Hate Crime: Assists victims in applying for compensation and provides other resources based on the California county selected.

California Civil Rights Department - Hate Violence: Dedicated to combatting hate incidents and hate crimes, offering a non-emergency reporting hotline and portal.