Hate Crimes
HANOVER POLICE DEPARTMENT
HATE CRIME FACTS AND PREVENTION
NO PLACE FOR HATE IN HANOVER
What is a Hate Crime?
Massachusetts General Law defines a Hate Crime as any criminal act coupled with overt actions motivated by bigotry and bias including, but not limited to, a threatened, attempted or completed overt act motivated at least in part by racial, religious, ethnic, handicap, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation prejudice, or which otherwise deprives another person of his constitutional rights by threats, intimidation or coercion, or which seek to interfere with or disrupt a person's exercise of constitutional rights through harassment or intimidation.
What is Hate Speech?
Hate speech is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary (10th ed., 2014) as: “Speech that carries no meaning other than the expression of hatred for some group, such as a particular race, esp. in circumstances in which the communication is likely to provoke violence.”
While offensive, hate speech by itself is protected by the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. When the freedom of speech may transition from a protected freedom of expression to a hate crime can be confusing. When such speech is coupled with a criminal act such as threats, assault, etc., the act becomes a hate crime.
What is the Department policy related to hate crimes?
Hate crimes are against the law. All Hanover Police Department personnel are committed to safeguard the state and federal civil rights of all individuals irrespective of their race, national origin, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity. Any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes that are designed to infringe upon every person’s civil rights will be treated seriously.
Hate crimes are viewed very seriously and will be given high priority. The Hanover Police Department will use every necessary resource rapidly and decisively to identify the perpetrators, arrest and prosecute them, and take vigorous enforcement action.
How do you report a hate crime?
Hate crimes are reported in the same manner as other crimes. If the situation is an emergency, call 911. If the situation is not currently an emergency, call 781 826-3231. An officer will respond to provide any immediate assistance which may be needed and to initiate a preliminary investigation. Depending on the circumstances, the Department’s Detectives Division, Civil Rights Officer and/or outside agencies may assist.
Who do I contact if I have a question about Hate Crimes?
Please contact Lt. David Zemotel, Deptartment Civil Rights Officer at 781-826-3231 ext 2036 or email detectives@hanover-ma.gov
Additional Resources
Plymouth County District Attorney's Office
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Unit
https://plymouthda.com/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-unit/
Office of Massachusetts Attorney General - Protection Against Hate Crimes
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/protections-against-hate-crimes#:~:....
