Item B: Human Rights Commission: Bias Incident Response Plan

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1 City of Eugene Bias and Hate Incident Response Hate and bias crimes instill fears and distress to victims and communities, and may have far-reaching negative consequences. Hate crimes impact the community at large, and require specific attention and sensitive response. The City of Eugene has a strong commitment to responding to hate activity, as well as contributing to hate crimes prevention strategies. The City of Eugene, through codes, policies and practices, strives to safeguard the civil and other legal rights of all people. Any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation or other offences infringing on these rights are viewed as a very serious matter by the City and police. This agency will use necessary resources to rapidly and decisively identify perpetrators and pursue vigorous enforcement action. Attention will be given to victims and others impacted by the offence. RESPONSE TEAM HATE NOTIFY POLICE POLICE NOTIFY CITY IDENTIFIED; RESPONSE ACTIVITY IMMEDIATELY: LEADERSHIP AND PLAN COORDINATED OCCURS/ 541-682-5111 LEAD DESIGNATED BASED UPON INCIDENT REPORTED OR 911 RESPONSE GUIDELINES Non-Criminal Hate Activity: This type of hate activity includes biased or bigoted acts that target a group of people, individuals, or property, that do not involve crimes. Non-criminal hate activity often is protected by free speech and can include rallies, offensive signs or t-shirts, leafleting and flier distribution, and group meetings. Attempts to regulate speech face substantial constitutional hurdles. Eugene Police Department (EPD) law enforcement may not involve itself in non-criminal hate activity, often manifested as ‘hate speech.’ Criminal Hate Activity – Bias Crimes and Hate Crimes: Bias crimes are often referred to as a “hate crimes” and include any criminal act against a person, group of people or property motivated by bias or prejudice. Bias crimes are not stand-alone crimes, rather the term “bias” is used to describe the nature of crimes and distinguish those crimes that are motivated by prejudice and bias against designated protected classes. Crimes that involve bias differ from other crimes because of their intent to send a message that implies: “You are a target because I don’t like you. I don’t want you here. I will hurt you.” Bias crimes can include all classes of crime motivated by bias or prejudice based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation or beliefs, membership or activity in or on behalf of a labor organization or against a labor organization, physical or mental handicap, age, economic status, social status, or citizenship. Crimes can range from telephonic harassment, graffiti, property damage, physical assault or murder. EPD Violent Crimes leads criminal investigations for bias crimes. Criminal mischief, intimidation and assault are common bias crimes in Eugene. Always inform Eugene Police Department of possible crimes as soon as possible. Call 911 during a crime. Call 541-682-5111 to report a non-emergency crime situation. Information about other hate activity should be directed to the Equity and Human Rights Center, 541-682-5177, . ehrcenter@ci.eugene.or.us Bias and Hate Response City of Eugene Equity and Human Rights Center