The FBI says police departments across the country are investigating more hate crimes. The FBI says violent crime dropped 1.7% in 2022, the most recent year stats are available, but hate crimes increased by about 7%.
The most common hate crimes dealt with race or ethnicity, which accounted for 59% of hate crimes. Hate crimes dealing with religion or sexual orientation each accounted for 17% of total reports.
The FBI says the most common hate crime dealing with race was anti-Black; the most common hate crime dealing with religion was anti-Jewish.
In Plano, police hosted a webinar to show people how they investigate reports of hate crimes.
"You have to have a crime and then prove it is by bias," says Sergeant James Babb. "Either way, if you still have a crime, it can still be prosecuted."
Babb says police will first investigate the crime and then prosecutors may add hate crime charges later. During the webinar, he explained state law to determine when free speech becomes harassment.
"Someone with intent to alarm, harass, annoy, embarrass," he says. "It could be if someone calls you if someone texts you, if someone emails you."
When in doubt, Babb urges people to call the police. He says police can then try to use de-escalation.
"I would much rather you call us and nothing ends up happening than having to take a report for a crime that actually occurred," he says. "Maybe, just maybe, if you give us a call and we can get there, we can prevent a crime from occurring."
He urges individuals to try de-escalation, too, urging people to try to stay calm until police arrive.
For people who do not speak English, Babb says 9-1-1 operators will get translators. He also says police will not ask about citizenship when responding to an emergency.
"Absolutely you can call 9-1-1," he says. "We are not immigration. We are not here to deport anybody."
Across the country, the FBI says 6,567 crimes dealing with race or ethnicity were reported in 2022, 2,042 crimes dealing with religion were reported and 1,944 crimes dealing with sexual orientation were reported.
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