Hate Crimes & Civil Rights Officer

Hate crimes are against the law. It is the policy of the Plainville Police Department to safeguard the State and Federal rights of all individuals irrespective of their race, religion, ethnicity, handicap, sexual orientation, and gender and to treat seriously any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes that infringe upon these rights. All hate crimes are taken seriously by the Plainville Police Department. Our department will use every necessary resource to rapidly and decisively ensure your safety, identify the perpetrators, arrest them and take vigorous enforcement action.

What is a hate crime?

• Any criminal act to which a biased motive is evident as a contributing factor,
• Any act which constitutes a violation of:
  • M.G.L. c. 265, ss. 37 or 39;
  • M.G.L. c. 266, s. 127A;
  • M.G.L. c. 272, s. 92A.

What is a hate incident?

Any act whether consisting of conduct, speech, or expression, to which a biased motive is evident as a contributing factor, without regard for whether the act constitutes a crime.

Understanding Hate Crimes

The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association has produced the video entitled "Hate Crimes Revisited", which was produced to give guidance to both police and citizens regarding what constitutes a true hate crime, as well as an overview of applicable criminal and civil statutes.

If you believe you have been a victim of a hate crime:

• Emergencies should immediately be reported by dialing 911
• Call 508-809-5555 to report an incident to a police officer
• Reported incidents involving a potential hate crime will be forwarded to our Civil Rights Officer
• Our department's Civil Rights Officer may be reached by calling 508-809-5524
• Submit an anonymous tip to 508-809-5566