Divisions | Family Services Division | Bias and Hate Unit
The Special Investigations Unit is the arm of the New Haven Police Department responsible for the investigation of bias and hate crimes. Once it has been determined that a bias or hate crime may have been committed, an investigator from the Special Investigations Unit conducts a thorough investigation into the complaint. The training, orientation and mission of the Special Investigations Unit is geared specifically toward detecting and identifying situations which may lead to hate crimes.
Special Investigations Unit members track bias crimes and attempt to identify any patterns to the complaints. The Community Patrol Resource Coordinator, as well as District Managers, are notified of any potential or perceived problem areas. The Unit also acts as a liaison with community organizations. It is the responsibility of the Special Investigations Unit to report all hate crimes to the State Police Crimes Analysis Unit.
In the cases of suspected bias crime, police officers provide bias information which describe the service and options available to victims of hate crimes. Information distributed was developed by the Board of Police Commissioner's Special Subcommittee on Bias Incidents and Hate Crime, by the Special Investigations Unit itself and by the Bias Community Advisory Board.
Hate crimes are despicable and unconscionable; they are also illegal when committed against people on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity/national origin or sexual orientation. These insensible acts effect not only the victim, they effect the community as a whole. Whether violent or not, criminal activity which is motivated by bigotry or bias will not be tolerated by the New Haven Police Department. Success in preventing and/or eliminated prejudice-motivated behavior can only be accomplished by an informed, cooperative and coordinated police/community effort.
