Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents
The City of Chicago and the Chicago Police Department has taken a firm stand against hate and bigotry,
and with the help of all of its residents, we can reduce the incidence of hate crimes.
What is a Hate Crime?
A criminal act motivated by
bias against someone’s
race, color, gender identity,
age, religion, disability,
national origin, ancestry, or
sexual orientation.
What is a Hate Incident?
A non-criminal act motivated
by bias against someone’s
race, color, gender identity,
age, religion, disability,
national origin, ancestry, or
sexual orientation.
Chicago Police Department’s Response to Hate Crimes and Hate Incidents
The Chicago Police Department is committed to protecting all individuals from hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents. Through dedicated investigative resources, specialized training, and strong community partnerships, CPD works to ensure that hate crimes are identified, thoroughly investigated, and appropriately prosecuted. The Department also collaborates with local organizations and advocacy groups to support victims, promote reporting, and foster inclusive, respectful neighborhoods. CPD’s response reflects its broader mission to serve every community with fairness, dignity, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
CPD’s Hate Crimes Team
The Hate Crimes Team within the Chicago Police Department’s Office of Equity and Engagement plays a vital role in supporting the Department’s response to hate crimes and bias-motivated incidents. This team works collaboratively with detectives, community organizations, and advocacy groups to ensure hate crimes are properly identified, documented, and addressed. They provide guidance on culturally competent engagement with impacted communities, support education and outreach efforts to encourage reporting, and help connect victims with services. Through this work, the Hate Crimes Team advances CPD’s commitment to fair and impartial policing, community trust, and the protection of all Chicagoans from acts of hate and discrimination.
Contact the Office of Equity and Engagement’s Hate Crimes Team
You can contact the Office of Equity and Engagement by email or by phone:
Email: Equity@Chicagopolice.org
Phone: (312) 745-5011
CPD’s Policy:
G04-06: Hate Crimes, Hate Incidents, and Related Incidents Motivated by Bias or Hate
General Order G04-06: Hate Crimes, Hate Incidents, and Related Incidents Motivated by Bias or Hate details the responsibilities of members of the Chicago Police Department when responding to hate crimes, hate incidents, and related incidents motivated by bias or hate.
Ways to Report a Hate Crime or a Hate Incident
If you, or someone you know has been the victim of a hate crime or a hate incident, you can take several steps to report it.
Call 911
If you are in immediate danger or witness a hate crime in progress, call 911 right away. Emergency responders will be dispatched to provide assistance.
Visit a Police Station
You can file a report in person at any Chicago Police Department district station. Officers are trained to handle hate crime reports with sensitivity and care.
Call 311
For non-urgent situations, call 311 to speak with CPD’s Alternate Response Section
Contact CPD’s Office of Equity and Engagement
CPD’s Office of Equity and Engagement’s Hate Crimes Team assists with reports of hate crimes and bias incidents. You can reach them directly at (312) 745-5011.
Submit an Online Report
Non-violent hate incidents may be reported online through the the City of Chicago’s onliny 311 system. (Note: Online reports may not be accepted for crimes involving violence, threats, or property damage.)
Click here to submit an online report with 311
Resources for Victims of Hate Crimes
Commission on Human Relations Chicago
The Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) is the City’s civil rights department that is charged
with enforcing the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance and the Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance. The
Commission investigates complaints to determine whether discrimination may have occurred in the
areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations, and uses its enforcement powers to punish
acts of discrimination. Under the City’s Hate Crimes Law, the agency aids hate crime victims.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cchr.html
ADL – Fighting Hate for the Good
ADL (Anti-Defamation League) is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an
escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and
to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same
vigor and passion.
https://www.adl.org/
Cook County State’s Attorney Victim and Witness Assistance
The mission of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Assistance Unit is to enhance
prosecution efforts by delivering the highest quality of services to victims and witnesses in the areas of
advocacy and court support. Providing victims with information and social service referrals is a
responsibility mandated by the Illinois Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act.
https://www.cookcountystatesattorney.org/resources/victim-witness-assistance-program
Center on Halsted
Center on Halsted is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community center in Chicago, Illinois. It is
the largest LGBT community center
https://www.centeronhalsted.org/
Affinity Community Services
Affinity Community Services is a social justice organization serving the needs of the Black LGBTQ+
community with a particular focus on Black women.
https://www.affinity95.org/