1–206–350-HATE (4283) vs. 9-1-1
Can you remember this number? This is the Hate Crime National Hotline and it is the number one is supposed to call if he suspects someone he knows is involved in a hate crime or presents a threat of committing such an offense. Of course, one could also try the toll-free number for the Hate Crimes Hotline at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights at 1–800–552–6843.
As difficult as it would be for one to have these numbers memorized, in the rare instance one would have the opportunity to actually call such a number, the more difficult part would be in fact identifying a hate crime as it is occurring. Would a Caucasian beating an African-American classify as a hate crime? What if that Caucasian was a known member of the KKK? To nail this down a bit, let’s start with the generally accepted definition of a hate crime. The FBI refers to the definition of the term provided by the U.S. Congress, which defines it as a “criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, ethnic origin or sexual orientation.” As relatively straightforward as this definition is in its current form, the problem with it is that it is referring to intent, not an actual crime.
The District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department does an excellent job of translating this difference. According to their website, “A hate crime is not really a specific crime; rather it is a designation that makes available to the court an enhanced penalty if a crime demonstrates the offender’s prejudice or bias based on the actual or perceived traits of the victim. In short, a hate crime is not a crime, but rather a possible motive for a crime.” So beyond proof that an individual actually committed a crime, for a hate crime to be prosecuted, evidence must also show that the guilty party was motivated by their own prejudice. This would be extremely difficult for most to determine outside an established courtroom. Using the example above, that known KKK member might in fact be acting in a fit of road rage or have some other motive. Few, if any, outside of the individual committing the act would know for certain.
Unfortunately, hate crimes do occur and should absolutely be reported to the proper authorities. Channels exist within federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to ensure these types of crimes are properly investigated and, when appropriate, prosecuted. When they do take place, or any other crime occurs, 9-1-1 is more than likely the most appropriate number to call — and it’s a lot easier to memorize.
