You can now report hate-motivated incidents online.
The Edmonton Police Service Hate Crimes Unit investigates hate crimes and incidents in partnership with the community to build trust, prevent hate crimes and incidents from occurring and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect in our city.
Hate impacts everyone
When a crime or incident motivated by hate occurs, it hurts not only the victim but the whole community. It makes people feel unsafe and creates distrust between citizens.
What is a hate-motivated crime?
A Hate Motivated crime is a criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated in whole or in part by the suspect’s bias, prejudice or hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, or any other similar factor.
Examples of hate crimes include:
- Violence, threats of violence,
- Acts of mischief or graffiti
- Distribution of hate propaganda
- Threatening phone calls, and/or
- Destruction of religious property or symbols.
What is a hate incident?
A hate incident is a non-criminal action committed against a person or property, the motive for which is based in whole or in part upon the same characteristics mentioned above.
Examples of hate incidents are:
- Racial comments or slurs
- Offensive symbols
Report hate
EPS Hate Crimes investigators want to know about hate crimes AND non-criminal hate incidents. Report them!
- For emergencies, call 911
- For non-emergencies, call 780-423-4567
- To report anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477
- For hate incidents, report online
Why it’s important to report to police:
- Police need to gather all evidence.
- Police will determine if a criminal offence occurred.
- Assists public safety and prevention efforts by gathering information regarding hate motivated activities and behavior.
- Police can support and collaborate with the communities impacted.
What to do when encountering hate
- Keep yourself safe.
- Call police.
- Be careful about intervening or challenging a subject. This may provoke them and escalate the situation.
- Be a good witness:
- Note descriptions of people, clothing, and vehicles involved (including license plates.)
- Video evidence is valuable, but only if you can capture it safely.
- Be specific about what was said.
- Provide support for the victim until police arrive.
If you have been affected by a hate crime or incident, you can contact the EPS Crime and Trauma-Informed Support Services by email or call 780-421-2217.