Hate Crimes

A Collaborative Approach Toward Preventing Hate Crime

In 2019, the Mesa Police Department (MPD) command staff formed a department work group to research and assess hate crimes in Mesa. MPD uses the same standards set forth by the FBI regarding what defines a hate crime. In Arizona, there is no specific “hate crime” law; however, there are enhanced sentencing options for those convicted of felony hate crimes.

While reviewing the number of hate crimes reported in previous years, based on Mesa’s population, the possibility of underreporting was identified. Updates to the MPD policies were implemented using a model created by the International Association for Chiefs of Police (IACP) in 2016. One major policy change MPD implemented was the documentation of all hate incidents (non-criminal).

Recognizing, identifying, and reporting hate and bias crimes can be challenging. MPD held community forums with various communities to discuss the challenges faced by those who experience or witness these crimes and/or incidents. A few key themes, developed during these forums, included the community’s desire to better understand what constitutes a hate crime and a hate incident. In addition, citizens expressed concerns about reporting hate crimes through the “routine” response of an Officer visiting their home.

Listed below are specific definitions and examples of what constitutes a hate crime and a hate incident. We strongly encourage reporting of both crimes and incidents. With this information, the department can better understand what is happening in the communities we serve. In addition, the Mesa Police Department has developed three new reporting options for those who would prefer not to report directly to a police officer and those who desire to remain anonymous.

Definitions

Hate/Bias Crime

A crime in which the defendant intentionally selects a victim, or in the case of a property crime, the property that is the object of the crime, in whole or in part because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation of any person.

Examples: A crime resulting in injury, a verbal threat of death/violence, or property vandalism, committed by an individual who is motivated by one or more of the protected characteristics of the victim.

Hate/Bias Incident

Actions by an individual or group that, while motivated by hate or improper bias, do not meet the elements of a criminal offense. This may involve biased or prejudiced comments, imaging, or other messaging to another individual based on race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

Examples: A hate incident may include hate speech or a display of offensive materials on one’s property.