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Police chiefs and civil rights organization join to address hate crimes

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law have come together to launch a new effort that will “significantly strengthen the continuing dialogue” on hate crimes.

August 23, 2017  By The IACP Blog


Through the establishment of an advisory committee, “Enhancing the Response to Hate Crimes,” the IACP and the Lawyers’ Committee say they will lead a discussion about ways to break down barriers and strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and communities that too often are the targets of hate crimes.

“The IACP is excited to be partnering with the Lawyers’ Committee to address the individual and collective harm faced in communities due to hate crime,” said Donald W. De Lucca, president of the IACP and Chief of the Doral, Fla., Police Department. “By joining forces, we will assist agencies and community leaders in effectively responding to hate crimes, providing resources, and developing solutions to prevent such incidents. Through the advisory committee, the IACP and Lawyers’ Committee will bring together unique expertise to establish an achievable action agenda that will help stakeholders across the United States respond quickly to these crimes, making a lasting impact on victims and their communities.”

When the action agenda is completed, the IACP and the Lawyers’ Committee will seek public and private funding to support implementation.

“The tragic events in Charlottesville, Va. serve as a chilling reminder that too many communities are the targets of hate-fueled acts,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee. “In these difficult moments, we must redouble our efforts to combat hate. That includes a thoughtful dialogue among law enforcement and the civil rights community to ensure the needs of targeted communities, including racial and religious minorities, LGBT, and the handicapped are addressed.”

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The advisory committee will focus on incidents that are motivated by actual or perceived race, national origin, religious background, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability of any person. The committee will also discuss the many legal, economic, emotional, social, and safety issues that arise in the wake of hate incidents and propose recommendations on how best to respond. Members of the new advisory committee will include law enforcement and civil rights leaders, advocates, academic experts, and victims of hate crime.

The advisory committee will convene its first meeting on September 19, 2017. Members will establish an action agenda for public officials, community leaders, law enforcement officers and justice system leaders to help them create a “seamless response to hate crimes.”


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