06 December, 2009

MPD RELEASES REPORT ON BIAS-RELATED CRIME IN DC

The Fenty administration remains committed to working with District of Columbia
communities to address and reduce hate crimes and perceptions of bias in our city. While the District strives to reduce crime for all residents of and visitors to the city, hate crimes can make a particular community feel vulnerable and more fearful. This is unacceptable, and is the reason everyone must work together not just to address allegations of hate crimes, but also to proactively educate the public about hate crimes. As part of this effort, the Metropolitan Police Department created a report that highlights trends in hate or bias-related crimes in the
District of Columbia since 2005, and efforts in the District to address them.

After a spike in hate crimes in 2006, the total number dropped 30 percent in 2007, and remained at that level in 2008. In 2009, as of September 30, there have been only two fewer crimes sustained in the first nine months of 2009 than in all of 2008
.
Whether or not there is a change in reported hate crimes in 2009 will not be known until the final numbers are calculated and reported in early calendar year 2010.
MPD is committed to identifying and implementing best practices in reducing hate crimes.

The Department works proactively to ensure that hate or bias-related crimes are reported and investigated in a consistent manner through a systematic and open process for categorizing hate crimes. Whenever a hate or bias-related crime is reported, the Special Liaison Unit is notified,which helps to ensure that the investigative reports include whatever facts exist in the case that
would support a hate crimes charge. The Special Liaison Unit is the umbrella Departmental unit that includes members serving the Asian, deaf and hard of hearing, Latino, and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) communities. MPD has also designated a detective to review and analyze all alleged hate crimes. Additionally, MPD provides its members with extensive training on recognizing bias-related crimes, as well as on diversity and cultural understanding.

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