Online hate crime reporting launched in Hamilton

Hamilton Police are enhancing their online reporting section to make it easier to report hate crimes.

“We know hate crimes are generally under reported 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.” Deputy Chief Frank Bergen.

In 2019, 92 hate/bias crimes were reported to Hamilton police, the average number of reported hate crimes in approximately 128.4 per year. The majority of the incidents were related to religion, followed by racial bias and sexual orientation.

Police say reporting incidents of hate and bias ensures they have the appropriate resources to help reduce hate crime in the community.

The new online reporting option also allows friends and family to report an incident to police on behalf of the victim.

The new hate and bias reporting tool is available on the Hamilton Police website at www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca. These incidents can also be reported in person at a Hamilton Police station or on the phone at 905-564-4925.