Hate Crimes Task Force
Program Description
The State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit has established a Hate Crimes Task Force through a $1 million grant from the BJA Fiscal Year 2024 Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Program under the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs. The grant will support the Hate Crimes Task Force, which will focus on increasing public awareness, improving reporting mechanisms, enhancing investigations and increasing prosecution of hate crimes.
The task force aims to address the persistent issue of underreported hate crimes in Florida. Despite ongoing efforts, state data from 2022 revealed only 58 out of 254 law enforcement agencies in Florida reported hate crimes, highlighting a significant gap in hate crime data collection, reporting and victim support.
Hate Crimes Task Force Goals
1. Reduce Hate Crime Incidents: Collaborate with stakeholders to mitigate hate crime incidents, particularly those based on race/ethnicity and religion.
2. Increase Public Awareness and Reporting: In partnership with the Stono Institute for Freedom, Justice, and Security, the task force will engage in community outreach to educate the public about hate crimes and how to report them
3. Facilitate Investigations: The task force will work closely with local law enforcement to strengthen the identification, investigation and prosecution of hate crimes.
4. Secure Justice for Victims: Prosecutors will be trained to identify and effectively prosecute hate crimes, ensuring justice for those impacted by bias-motivated offenses.
Purpose and Impact
The task force aims to prevent hate incidents and crimes by educating the public and holding perpetrators accountable. It seeks to offer critical support to victims while enhancing public safety and promoting tolerance across communities. The State Attorney’s Office will ensure law enforcement plays a vital role in deterring hate crimes and supporting targeted persons and groups.
Contact the Hate Crimes Unit
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