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The Fairfax County Police Department recognizes the potential harm that bias crimes and incidents can have in a community, and consequently encourages people to report them. All bias crimes and incidents are investigated thoroughly. Our goal is to form partnerships with the community in order to more effectively combat crimes motivated by hate.
Bias Crime (Also known as Hate Crime):
Any unlawful action committed against a person or their property because of his or her race, religious conviction, ethnic/national origin, disability, and/or sexual orientation.
Bias incident:
An action motivated by bias, which does not meet the necessary elements for a criminal offense. Examples of such behaviors include name-calling, using racial slurs, or disseminating racist leaflets. Law enforcement can help to defuse potentially dangerous situations and prevent bias-motivated criminal behavior by responding to and documenting bias-motivated speech or behavior even if it does not rise to the level of a criminal offense.
Q. What are some indicators that a bias crime may have been committed?
A. To determine if a bias crime has been committed, the apparent motive of the suspect should be evaluated. Things to be considered may include: derogatory remarks or graffiti, the suspect's involvement in hate related groups, any pattern of victimization and the location of the event. (i.e.: cultural/religious centers)
Q. Why is it important to report bias incidents and crimes to the police department?
A. The police department tracks all events motivated by bias in an effort to improve the overall quality of life for all citizens of Fairfax County. All bias incidents and/or crimes should be reported to the police department in a timely manner. This will enable the event to be investigated and properly documented and will ensure that the victims are provided with the necessary resources to aid them in a quick recovery.
Q. Is there a high number of bias crimes in Fairfax County?
A. We have a relatively low number of bias crimes in Fairfax County. These crimes generally included such things as minor destruction of property and graffiti related offenses.
Q. What should I do if I think I am a victim of a bias crime?
A. Contact the Fairfax County Police Public Safety Communications Center at 703-691-2131. You will be asked to provide basic information to the call taker and an officer will be dispatched to take a full report.
Q. Why has the Department taken such a stance toward bias crimes?
A. The Department believes a responsible approach includes taking proactive steps to document bias crimes and attempt to prevent them from occurring in the first place. In this way, fears the community may have regarding crimes motivated by bias may be allayed. In addition, an increased awareness among citizens will assist police in identifying those responsible for these events.
The information provided on this webpage is currently being translated into several languages. These translations will be made available at this site as they are completed.
The above information is available as PDF brochures in the following languages:
For more information about bias crimes contact your district police station or the Bias Crimes Coordinator at 703-246-2289.
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