KAWARTHA LAKES – NoH8 is a campaign launched today by the Peterborough Police Service as part of their ongoing effort to improve the reporting of hate biased crimes in the community.
Peterborough Police have been at the forefront in capturing both hate biased incidents as well as hate biased crimes, and continues to work in collaboration with many partners to improve community safety and well-being through various crime prevention and reporting strategies. “There is always opportunity to improve reporting. We have heard from the community that there can be uncertainty as to what defines a hate crime and how to report it,” explains Peter Williams, Community Development and Engagement Coordinator, Peterborough Police Service.
The cards give some examples of what could be considered a hate crime or hate biased incident. Things such as words or actions that threaten harm against a person or property, motivated by prejudice or hate toward other people or groups or based on attitides, judgements or beliefs about things like race, colour, national or ethnic origin, language, religion, sex or sexual orientation etc. are listed.
The initiative is part of Crime Prevention Week 2017.Cards will be distributed through police and other partners as part of this awareness campaign. “We take these incidents seriously and engaged community partners in the revision of these cards to create something that is educational and empowering. If you see it, report it.”
The NoH8 cards provide contact information for anyone wanting to report a hate incident. The cards also provide contact information for people looking for related community supports. “We thank residents for their continued commitment to community safety and wellbeing. We know that creating a safe and thriving community is a partnership between the public and the police,” says Mr. Williams.
Always call 9-1-1 in an emergency. To report a non-emergency crime please contact our non-emergency line at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.stopcrimehere.ca
