Police officers may encounter acts of violence, threats, harassment, or property damage that appear to target someone based on their race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or gender.

Whether these actions constitute a hate incident or rise to the level of a hate crime, they can generate fear, destabilize communities, and require a thoughtful, thorough investigation. Understanding how to effectively identify, investigate, and document cases involving hate is crucial for police reports and shaping what happens next.