In collaboration with the Office of Community and Belonging, the Calgary Police Service are offering a presentation that includes an overview of hate crimes legislation, beginning with a general introduction to its purpose and scope. It outlines the distinction between hate crimes—criminal offences motivated by bias or prejudice—and hate incidents, which may be harmful but do not meet the threshold for criminal charges. Additional topics will include identifying key indicators of hate motivation, such as language, symbols, and context.
The Calgary Police Service’s approach to managing hate crimes is also discussed, emphasizing their commitment to community engagement and trauma-informed practices. Finally, the importance of reporting hate-motivated behaviour is underscored, along with an exploration of common barriers that may prevent individuals from coming forward.
