By rdnewsNOW Staff

RCMP

Alberta RCMP reminds Albertans of the importance of reporting hate-motivated incidents

Sep 12, 2023 | 3:08 PM

Albertans are now able to report hate-motivated incidents online.

Mounties say this can be completed via the Online Crime Reporting portal available on the Alberta RCMP website or through the Alberta RCMP app.

Mounties say it’s important to report hate-motivated incidents and crimes because it allows police to stay informed about what is impacting communities. This is said to be vital in order to provide support and create proactive measures to keep all Albertans safe.

According to RCMP, the differences between a hate-motivated incident and crime are:

• A hate incident is a non-criminal action, motivated by hate, bias, or prejudice towards a person or group based on colour, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual identity, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, or any other similar factor.
• A hate crime is a crime motivated by hate, based in whole or in part upon the characteristics mentioned above.

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Examples of hate-motivated incidents are the use of racial slurs or offensive symbols. As these types of incidents are non-criminal, police say they often go unreported, but the impact on victims and communities remains, including psychological trauma, feelings of shame and humiliation. These incidents can also cause community-wide unrest, leading victims and those who identify similarly to feel fear, isolation, and damage to their sense of belonging.

RCMP say online reporting allows victims and community members to report hate incidents, even if they don’t feel comfortable calling or initially coming into a detachment. People can also report on behalf of someone else, further supporting those who may not feel comfortable, or who may require assistance to report an incident. Mounties say this additional reporting option allows for the gathering of information about hate-motivated incidents, as they can provide valuable information about subjects involved in hateful activities, as well as opportunities for intervention to prevent the escalation of hateful behaviour.

“Alberta RCMP firmly believes in bias-free policing and ensuring that all Albertans feel safe,” states Cpl. Mohamad Khaled, Alberta RCMP Hate Crimes Coordinator. “Part of feeling safe is feeling seen and heard, that is why Alberta RCMP works directly with marginalized people and communities to ensure their needs are met.”

Mounties say Cpl. Khaled is a member of the Alberta RCMP Diverse Community Engagement Unit, which was created in 2020, recognizing that partnerships with all community members are essential to provide effective and responsive policing services.

To report a hate crime, dial 911 if you are in immediate danger. Otherwise, call your local detachment’s non-emergency line or visit in person.

To report a hate incident, you can phone your local detachment’s non-emergency line, visit in person, or go online to https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/alberta/en or through the Alberta RCMP app.