NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — In response to the recent rise in hate crimes in the city, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced he's calling for more funding toward his office’s Hate Crime Unit in order to add several new roles and positions to aid in combating attacks.
“New Yorkers of all backgrounds deserve to feel safe in Manhattan,” said Bragg. “My office’s expanded Hate Crimes Unit will not only investigate and prosecute hate crimes, but provide outreach and advocacy that helps victims heal and addresses root causes. Combatting hate crimes is a shared priority for my office, the New York City Council, and the Mayor’s Office, and I’m hopeful we will receive the funding we need to combat the surge in hate crimes.”
The expansion of the unit, led by investigative analyst Chief Hannah Yu, would add two Deputy Chiefs, and multiple cross-designated Assistant D.A.'s from each Trial Bureau who are specially trained to handle complex investigations and prosecutions of bias-driven crimes.
Two executive members of Bragg’s staff, Executive Assistant D.A. Joyce Smith, chief of the trial division and Chanterelle Sung, chief of strategic operations, were appointed to oversee and support the unit.
“With the recent increase in hateful rhetoric and acts of violence directed toward immigrants, toward the poor, and toward people of color generally, I’m pleased to see District Attorney Bragg taking this issue head-on and look forward to continuing to work with him and his office to let everyone know that hate has no place in Manhattan or anywhere,” said State Senator Robert Jackson.
Plans for the unit’s expansion include increasing proactive investigations and prosecutions, enhancing cultural and linguistic competencies, ensuring internal staff and police officers receive specialized training and community engagement, among other goals.
Victim advocacy and services will also be a focus of the new group with the D.A.'s office hiring people to fulfill roles such as an AAPI Counselor, an LGBTQIA+ Victim Service Advocate and community partnership coordinators.
“With hate on the rise in our community, it's more urgent than ever that we take action to eradicate it wherever we find it," said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. “DA Bragg has been a champion of immigrant communities and I’m grateful for his leadership to ensure Manhattan remains a welcoming space for immigrants, diversity, and the families that call our community home.”
The unit is currently investigating and prosecuting 88 hate crime cases, including 27 anti-Asian hate crime cases, 25 anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime cases, 11 anti-Black hate crime cases, 10 anti-Semitic hate crime cases, and 6 anti-White hate crime cases, among others.
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