Hartford, Conn. (WTIC Radio)- Governor ed Lamont has signed legislation that creates a hate crimes unit within Connecticut State Police.
“Having a dedicated hate crimes unit within the Connecticut State Police will ensure that these crimes are handled in an investigative manner by expert law enforcement authorities who are provided the resources and tools needed to combat them and bring perpetrators to justice,” Governor Lamont said. “This law creates a uniform, statewide system where hate crime investigations will be centralized. Hate has no place in Connecticut. Nobody should ever have to fear being the victim of a crime for being who they are. I am appreciative of the legislators from both parties who approved this legislation and sent it to my desk so that I could sign it into law.”
The unit was actually created last October. But by signing the measure it makes it a long-term sustainable unit, according to Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella. " We are thankful that this bill codifies its permanency, securing another a layer of protection to our state. As an investigative unit, our hope is that we can continue to connect with our partners to eliminate hate incidents through prevention, investigation, data sharing, and awareness.”
The Hate Crimes Advisory Council, appointed last year, is also working to create enhanced measures to be presented to the Legislature and the Governor before October.
