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Bell Ringer # 2 3/21/14

Bell Ringer # 2 3/21/14. In your own words define: 1. Hate 2. Fear. Entry # 6 – HATE CRIMES. March 21, 2014. Define.

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Bell Ringer # 2 3/21/14

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  1. Bell Ringer # 2 3/21/14 • In your own words define: • 1. Hate • 2. Fear

  2. Entry # 6 – HATE CRIMES March 21, 2014

  3. Define • The violence of intolerance and bigotry, intended to hurt and intimidate someone because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious, sexual orientation, or disability. • They leave victims vulnerable to more attacks and feeling alienated, helpless, suspicious and fearful.

  4. Why are hate crimes serious? • 1. Hate • 2. Fear • People use hate and fear to achieve personal goals. • The brushfire effect:In the midst of summer, during a drought and dry grass and can quickly lead to a major fire. • Hate is similar in that it can suddenly flare up and escalate into violence.

  5. Examples of hate crimes • Vandalism • Assault • Verbal Assult • Arson • Bombings • Genocide • Civil Rights Violations

  6. Historical Examples • 1. The KKK: In the beginning actions were directed towards blacks. In the early 1900s actions were focused on immigrants, Catholics, and Jews. • 2. World War II Japanese Interment Camps: After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, the U.S. was Japanese-Americans would help Japan further attack the U.S. Over 120,00 were forced to leave their homes and live in relocation centers from 1942 – 1945.

  7. Who are victims of hate crimes? • ANYONE • No group has a monopoly on hate crimes; anyone can be a victim of a hate crime.

  8. On the evening of October 7, 1989, a group of young black men and boys, including Mitchell, gathered at an apartment complex in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Several members of the group discussed a scene from the motion picture "Mississippi Burning," in which a white man beat a young black boy who was praying. The group moved outside and Mitchell asked them: " `Do you all feel hyped up to move on some white people?' " • Shortly thereafter, a young white boy approached the group on the opposite side of the street where they were standing. As the boy walked by, Mitchell said: " `You all want to fuck somebody up? There goes a white boy; go get him.' "  • Mitchell counted to three and pointed in the boy's direction. The group ran towards the boy, beat him severely, and stole his tennis shoes. The boy was rendered unconscious and remained in a coma for four days.

  9. Supreme Court said the hate crime statue did not pose a threat to the First Amendment. Mr. Mitchell can say what he wants to. • But when he commits violence against another, he is breaking the law. And if the violence is committed against another simply because that person belongs to a certain group, he has committed a hate crime.

  10. October 12, 1998: Matthew Shepard a 21-year old University of Wyoming student was found bound to a fence post, bleeding and half-frozen to death, in a rocky field on the outskirts of Laramie. He had been pistol-whipped so severely that his brain stem was crushed. His killers even removed his shoes, on the off-chance he broke free of his bonds and tried to run to safety.  • He was found 18 hours later in near freezing temperatures and rushed to the hospital, where he lingered on the edge of death for nearly five days before succumbing to his injuries.

  11. Arguments on hate crimes • Con: Many people sincerely opposed hate crime legislation. One argument was that it shouldn’t matter what group- race, religion, etc. – a victim belong to. A victim is a victim and all should be treated the same.

  12. ARGUMENTS ABOUT HATE CRIME LEGISLATION No one supports hate crimes buy many people had concerns about hate crime legislations. It only became law in 2003 after years of debate. Some of the arguments against hate crime legislation follow. AN ARGUMENT AGAINST HATE CRIME LEGISLATION Many people sincerely opposed hate crime legislation. One argument was that it shouldn’t matter what group- race, religion, etc. – a victim belong to. A victim is a victim and all should be treated the same.

  13. THE IMPACT OF HATE CRIMES CAN BE DEVASTATING • An extraordinary thing about hate crimes, and another reason to take them seriously, is that a hate crime can have an impact way out of proportion to the act itself. • An example of this happened after Iraq was invaded in 2003. The Islam faith in Iraq has two major factions, Sunni (20%) and Shiite (60%). A few thousand Sunni along with outsiders, began a campaign of hate crimes against the Shiite majority. What did the Shiite do in response? What happened to Iraq? Their diabolical tactics had an astonishing success: they tied down thousands of troops and paralyzed a nation of twenty-five million. • In America, to a lesser extent, we have also felt the impact of hate crimes. Matthew Shepard, a gay person, was tied to a fence in Wyoming and left to die; in Jasper, Texas, a black man was chained to a vehicle and dragged to death. What was the reaction of Americans, especially people in the targeted groups, to these actions? • The motive- targeting someone because of the group they belong to- is what makes a hate crime different. To use graffiti as an example: spray painting “Beat Arizona” on a bridges is not quite the same as spray painting “Death to Jews” on a synagogue. And the reaction on the targeted group is way out of proportion to the act itself

  14. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU THINK OF HATE CRIMES? • Usually one thinks of white supremacists and Neo-Nazis attacking African-Americans or Jews. We may recall a cross burning or headstones turned over in a Jewish cemetery. We may also think of teenagers beating up someone because he is gay. • However, we need to broaden our focus and note that any group can be involved in a hate crime. No group has a monopoly on hate crimes; anyone can be a victim of a hate crime. Example: Louis Farrakham of the Nation of Islam. Can you think of any other examples?

  15. BUT A NUMBER OF VICTIMS ARE ALREADY TREATED DIFFERENTLY • Supporters of hate crime legislation respond that sentences are already enhanced for different groups. If a police officer is a victim of a batter or murder, the penalty is increased. If a teacher, athletic official or health worker is a victim of a battery, the penalty is also increased. ALSO, THE SENTENCE IS INCREASED BECAUSE OF THE MOTIVE • The reason the sentence goes up is because we’re also punishing the motive for the crime. To beat up someone is a battery but if the reason for the battery is because the victim belongs to a particular group – police officers, teachers, etc. – then the penalty, according to some people, should also go up. Which side of the argument do you support? ANOTHER ARGUMENT AGAINST HATE CRIME LEGISLATION • It was felt by many that hate crime legislation would have a chilling impact upon freedom of speech. A person might oppose gay marriages or affirmative action; taking such a position could be interpreted as a hate crime.

  16. BUT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HATE CRIME AND SPEECH • A person’s thoughts are protected under the First Amendment. This means a person can write a hate pamphlet or letter blasting another group and do so legally. Another person ay flaunt a racist tattoo. And anyone in public can express contempt for another group and be protected by the US Constitution. • Free speech is protected. But when a person does something, commits an act that is illegal, then we have a crime. And if that crime is motivated by hate, it becomes a hate crime. The following US Supreme Court case addressed the free speech versus hate crime issue

  17. UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT ON HATE CRIMES AND FREE SPEECH • A group of young black men gathered at an apartment in Kenosha, Wisconsin to watch a movie called Mississippi Burning. In one scene in the movie, white men beat up a young black boy while he is praying. Mr. Mitchell said, “Do you all feel hyped up to move on some white people?” Shortly thereafter, a young white boy is seen across the street. • Mitchell: “There goes a white boy, go get him.: They beat him up severely and steal his tennis shoes. He is in a coma for four days. Mitchell was charged with a hate crime and his sentence was enhanced. • Supreme Court said the hate crime statue did not pose a threat to the first amendment. Mr. Mitchell can say what he wants to. But when he commits violence against another, he is breaking the law. And if the violence is committed against another simply because that person belongs to a certain group, he has committed a hate crime. Conviction upheld. Wisconsin v. Mitchell (1993)

  18. THE PURPOSE OF HATE CRIME LEGISLATIONHATE CRIME IS ABOUT SENDING A MESSAGE • When a hate criminal targets someone because of the group that person belongs to, the hate criminal is sending a message that members of that group are not welcomed in our community. • But our community also has a message to send. When the sentence for a hate criminal is increased, we are sending a message that hate crime will not be tolerated.

  19. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HATE CRIME AND A BIAS CRIME? No real difference. For our purposes we will use “Hate Crimes.”

  20. UNDERSTANDING HATE CRIMES - NM STATUTE ON HATE CRIMESLEGAL – “MOTIVATED BY HATE” • As used in the Hate Crimes Act (NMSA 1978, Section 31-18-B-1), “motivated by hate” means the commission of a crime with the intent to commit the crime because of the actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, handicapped status, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity of the victim, whether or not the offender’s belief or perception was correct. • Three words are important: “Motivated by hate.” A person commits a crime and it is motivated by hate; that’s what makes this statute unique. • This is a legal definition. Victims or the news media may have a different version of what a hate crime is. We need to remember that what some activist groups perceive to be a hate crime is not a hate crime.

  21. LEGAL – PENALTY ENHANCEMENT • Hate crime is not a separate, distinct crime. It goes to sentencing. An offender’s sentence can be enhanced if the following is shown: (1) a crime was committed (2) it was motivated by hate.

  22. EXAMPLES: • Crime of Arson Motivated by Hate = Hate Crime • Crime of Battery Motivated by Hate = Hate Crime • Crime of Murder Motivated by Hate = Hate Crime • One reason for increased sentencing is that hate crime laws punish not only the criminal act but also the discrimination.

  23. LEGAL –ADDITIONAL CATEGORIZED • The Hate Crimes statute protects a number of groups. But if a group isn’t included, it isn’t protected. For example, it doesn’t include homeless people, rich people, rock musicians, etc. • In 1980, New Mexico enacted an old age enhancement for crimes against a person sixty years or older. In 1989 handicapped people as victims were added. These laws were repealed when the Hate Crimes statute became law in 2003.

  24. LEGAL – MISTAKEN PERCEPTION • Even if the offender was mistaken in his/her belief that the victim was a member of a particular group, the offense is still a hate crime as long as the offender was motivated by bias against that group.

  25. LEGAL – LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING • In-Service Law Enforcement training … shall include at least two hours of instruction … NMSA 1978, Section 31-18B-5.

  26. LEGAL – SENTENCING • If an offender committed a felony motivated by hate, the basic sentence may be increased by one year. NMSA 1978, Section 31-18B-3 • This may not seem like much but generally those committing hate crimes will serve longer sentences than those who commit non-hate crimes.

  27. ROLES OF POLICE ROLE OF POLICE - HATE CRIME STATISTICS • Every District Attorney and every State, County and Municipal Law Enforcement agency, to the maximum extent possible, shall provide the Federal Bureau of Investigations with data concerning the commission of a crime motivated by hate. NMSA 1978, Section 31-18B-4. • The FBI began collecting statistics in 1990. On every police report in New Mexico, there is a box that says, “Hate/Bias.” For purposes of statistics, the officer need only write a check mark if he or she believes there is a hate crime. • There’s no need to look up a particular crime in the statute books. It can be any crime but with this difference: it’s a crime motivated by hate. • But a good, professional officer can and should do more. We will now discuss ways to have a more effective hate crime investigation. We will look at suggestions for the prevention of hate crimes and ideas for working with the victim, the community, and the news media. You’re encouraged to share any ideas and suggestions that you have with the class.

  28. ROLE OF POLICE- INVESTIGATIONBE ALERT TO THE POSSIBILITY A HATE CRIME HAS OCCURRED • The first thing an officer must do is determine if a hate crime happened or not. As we shall soon see, this is not as easy as it sounds. People have different opinions and conclusions as to whether a hate crime occurred or not. Remember, of course, that we must follow the legal definition: a crime was committed and it was motivated by hate. Some facts that may be useful to us: • Is the motivations of the offender known? • Is there no other clear motivation for the incident? • Oral remarks, written statement or gestures made by the offender which indicate his or her bias. Example: A racial slur. • Bias-related drawings, symbols or graffiti left at the crime scene. Example: a swastika painted on the door of a synagogue. • Did I punch my neighbor because he was black or for some other reason? What distinguishes hate crimes from other crimes is motivation. • Jasper County (Texas) Sheriff: “I’m a brand new Sheriff. I didn’t even know the definition of a hate crime. But I know somebody has been murdered because he was black. Once we saw the KKK emblem on the cigarette lighter, that’s when we started having some bad thoughts.”

  29. BUT IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY TO DETERMINE MOTIVATION Motivation – motive to hate- is the heart of a hate crime. But it’s not always easy to determine.

  30. YOU DECIDE: ARE THE FOLLOWING CRIMES HATE CRIMES? • Overnight, unknown persons broke into a synagogue and destroyed several religious objects. The offenders drew a large swastika on the door and wrote “Death to Jews” on a wall. Although valuable items were present, none were stolen. Hate Crime? Justify your answer. • Japanese-American was attacked by a white male wielding a tire iron. The victim suffered severe cuts and a broken arm. The incident took place in a parking lot next to a bar. Investigations revealed that the offender and victim had previously exchanged racial insults. Offender had initiated the exchange, using anti-Japanese slurs. He complained that Japanese were taking jobs from Americans. Hate Crime? Justify your answer

  31. While driving through a predominately Hispanic neighborhood, a Black male stopped his car to repair a flat tire. A group of Hispanics leaving a bar across the street accosted the driver then attacked him with bottles and clubs. During the attack, the offenders used racial slurs and told him Blacks were not welcomed in the neighborhood. Hate Crime? Justify your answer. • A group home for persons with psychiatric disabilities was the site of a reported arson. Apparently, neighbors had expressed many concerns about the group home and were angry that the house was located in their community. Shortly before the fire was reported, a witness heard a young man state, “I’ll get rid of those crazies.” “I’ll burn them out.” Hate Crime? If so, what group? Justify your answer. • An adult white male was approached by four white teenagers who requested money for the bus. When he refused, one of the youths said to the others, “Let’s teach this (bad word for a gay person) a lesson.” The victim was punched in the face, knocked to the ground, kicked several times and robbed of his wristwatch, ring, and wallet. When he reported the crime, the victim advised he did not know the offenders and he was not gay. Hate Crime? Justify your answer

  32. On a Saturday morning a man is standing at the corner of a busy intersection near a synagogue. He is saying offensive things such as “All Jews should die” and “Hitler didn’t finish the job.” He is also distributing anti-Semitic hate literature and is a member of a neo-Nazi group, What Crime? Hate Crime? Justify your Answer. • Students at a religious school vandalized their own school, leaving anti-religious statements on the walls. Nothing is taken. Hate Crime? What is the motivation? Justify your answer. • A white male and a black male in a bar argue about a game. They begin fighting and during the fight use numerous racial slurs against each other. You arrive and witnesses advise you of this. Hate Crime? Justify your answer. • Two young males have a scam going. They get into a car, cover the license plate with a t-shirt, and look for victims. When they see an elderly female (70’s/80’s) one jumps out of the passenger seat, runs over to her, knocks her down and steals her purse. When caught they’re asked why did they target older women (if over the age of 60, a person can be a victim of a hate crime), they said because they’re easy targets. We may have a double victim here: Gender and Age. Hate Crime?

  33. Each April, Indian groups from all over North America have a Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque. A Native American band performed during the noon hour at the University of New Mexico. At the library nearby, a white male couldn’t study because of the music. He went up to the band, pulled the plug and shouted, “You’re a bunch of monkeys! That’s why they put you on the reservation!” and stormed off. Hate Crime? Justify your answer. • Las Vegas, New Mexico. A local Hispanic often would go to a bar popular with Mexican nationals. One afternoon, he got into a fight with a Mexican national and was evicted. He came back with his vehicle and ran over a Mexican National. He was heard saying bad things about Mexican Nationals. Hate Crime? Justify your answer.

  34. ANOTHER REASON MANY OFFICERS FAVOR HATE CRIME LEGISLATION • From all the examples given, it should be apparent that some people are quick to declare something a hate crime. • The statute gives a very narrow definition: it’s a crime “motivated by hate.” • This gives law enforcement a powerful tool in determining what a hate crime is Upon determining that a hate crime may have occurred, what should the officer do? • Notify the field supervisor and /or unit commander as soon as possible. Command level officers also need to be notified. • Police department should notify the District Attorney as soon as possible. Most common mistakes when a hate crime occurs • Misidentification whether a hate crime occurred or not. • Treating a hate crime like any other crime.

  35. ROLE OF POLICE – PREVENTION AND BEING PROACTIVE When is the most appropriate time to look into hate crimes? • We should treat every hate crime seriously. The most common hate crimes are misdemeanors: graffiti and vandalism. It’s far better to take an active interest in a hate related misdemeanor than to wait for a hate related homicide to occur

  36. What is the “profile” of a person involved in a hate crime? While a “profile” cannot be used to stop and detain people, it can be a helpful investigative tool. What follows are some categories but there are more. Hate gangs or hate groups • The neo-Nazis or the KKK or militias are the most visible. These groups must be treated seriously because their presence can promote feelings of intolerance or raise existing tensions. What should law enforcement do when there is a hate gang or hate group in the community?

  37. The “profile” of a person most likely to commit hate crimes • The great majority of hate crimes, however, are committed by people who do not belong to hate groups. These are offenders who act alone or in very small groups. Some categories of offenders include:

  38. Thrill Seekers: • May do it for the shock value. Alcohol and drugs may be a factor. Juveniles and young adults are over-represented. Vandalism or graffiti are common and violence is often used against the victim. People with a Mission • These people sometimes work by themselves and sometimes in groups. They really believe their group has a duty to suppress or hurt other groups. • Hate crimes are becoming more evident, especially in the Middle East and parts of Europe. Which groups are the main victims? People with a negative change in their lives • These people may resent the growing economic power of a particular racial or ethnic group or believe there is a threat to their safety and the value of their neighborhoods. Conflicted Offenders • Are those of the same protected class and are offenders because they don’t want to identify or be identified with the group. Examples: A Jewish person joins a neo-Nazi group or a person of mixed raced ancestry joins the KKK.

  39. ROLE OF POLICING – WORKING WITH THE VICTIM • Procedurally, hate crimes should be handled in the same manner as other crimes. But the injuries sustained will be more emotional in nature and the victim may suffer psychological trauma. At times, the victim’s response may seem out of proportion to the officer’s perception of the incident. • One reason is that for victims, hate crimes are different. Often, the victim will experience shock: why me, why was I singled out? There may also be a feeling of disorientation, a feeling that things won’t be the same again. And there is a fear that it will happen again. • A hate crime victim, whether the offense was a misdemeanor of felony, is often similar to a victim of sexual abuse or child abuse. • A victim of a burglary can install deadbolts for an alarm system but hate crime victims cannot protect themselves by changing skin color or ancestry. • Failure to communicate frequently with the victim may increase their sense of isolation. • Need to let the victim know quickly that the Department takes such crimes very seriously. Need to reassure victims that every investigative procedure is being utilized to solve the crime and to offer support that extends beyond they investigative stage.

  40. ROLE OF POLICING – WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY • Few crimes have as high a profile as a hate crime. There will be an intense interest in the case and police need to work very closely with the group targeted. • A hate crime poses a direct threat to community stability. All members of the group targeted will feel victimized, not just those targeted. Tensions can surface and the group that feels threatened may resort to violence or retaliation. No crime has the potential to cause such problems for a Police Department. • Improperly handling a hate crime can cause groups to ignite in protest

  41. ROLE OF POLICE – WORKING WITH THE NEWS MEDIA • More than ever, especially when rumors are abundant, when the community wants to know what happened, when people are upset about a particular incident, the new media have taken a leadership role. • We need to work with the news media as closely as possible. A hate crime is a high profile story that often will be the lead story or on the front pages

  42. ROLE OF POLICE- WORKING WITH THE COURTS • A lot more attention is given to hate crimes than other crimes, both by the news media and the community. It’s possible that numerous community groups will be in the courtroom. Officers need to work closely with prosecutors and the court.

  43. HATE CRIMES IN NEW MEXICO Hate crimes became illegal in 2003. A few cases reveal certain trends: • News Item: Hate Crime Case Ends: 6 Sentenced in Gay Beating A young gay man was beaten into a coma outside of a local (Santa Fe) hotel because of his sexuality. The victim said that, “being beaten solely because of my lifestyle is hard to accept. I will never forget this.” The two adult males who were the primary offenders were sent to the State Penitentiary. The Judge said, “I think both of you need to see the inside of a Penitentiary. I can’t let the community think this is acceptable behavior.” Albuquerque Journal, April 6, 2006. • News Item: Guilty Pleas in Beating of Gay: Lawyer says Juvenile won’t contest charges The only juvenile among a group of six males charged with beating a gay man in Santa Fe will plead “straight up” guilty to all charges, his attorney said. Albuquerque Journal, August 5, 2005. • News Item: Edgewood Teens Punished in Beating of Gay Man A Santa Fe teen who blindfolded a gay Edgewood man and participated when a group tried to “beat him straight” was sentenced to a year in jail. “To beat him because he was gay, so he would become straight, the hatred of that is frightening,” District Court Judge Michael Vigil said to offender Cecily Gonzales, 17, as she wept. Vigil also handed down a sentence for co-defendant Uriah Smith, 18. Smith was sentenced to four years in prison. Albuquerque Journal, April 13, 2007. • News Item: Hate Crimes in Farmington Two white men who were charged with beating up and robbing a Navajo man were sentenced. There was no proof of hate crime for the 21-year-old and he was given three years. But it was a different story for the nineteen year old who was guilty of violating the Hate Crimes Act. He was sentenced to seven years at the State Penitentiary. Albuquerque Journal, April 18, 2007 and July 19, 2007.

  44. TRENDS IN REACTING TO HATE CRIMES IN NEW MEXICO So far New Mexico appears to be doing the following in regard to hate crimes: • Police Departments are treating hate crimes very seriously. The command level is very much involved. • Prosecutors do not plea bargain hate crime cases. • The community, especially the group affected, has an intense interest in what happens to a hate crime. Court appearances involving hate crimes will be packed with members of the community, especially the group targeted. • Judges do not give suspended or deferred sentences. Judges will give the maximum sentence and then add one year for a felony. • New media coverage is extraordinary. Hate crimes will be on the front page or will be the lead story for television and radio. At sentencing, newspapers will have a picture on the front page of the offender in handcuffs.

  45. GOOD NEWS ON HATE CRIMES IN NEW MEXIO • The Southern Poverty Law Center keeps a close eye on the number of hate groups, state by state. In 2005, New Mexico was one of the very few states that did not have a single active hate group. • In 2007, however, a handful of the Aryan Brotherhood began to expand into New Mexico. They were swiftly indicted by the US Attorney’s Office. Albuquerque Journal, August 12, 2007. If convicted, what kind of sentence do you think they’ll get? • The good news is that hate crimes, as defined by state statute, rarely occur in New Mexico. Even Senior Police Officers, asked the last time a hate crime occurred in their community, acknowledge that hate crimes seldom occur. • But if a hate crime does happen, it will be taken very seriously.

  46. THE FUTURE OF HATE CRIMES • Hate crimes have been a part of our history and in other countries as well. We need only to look at the Middle East to see the popularity of hate crimes in some countries. The need to be vigilant when it come to have crimes is obvious. • But in one sense, we can leave on a positive note. America has made great progress and hate crimes, though still with us, are becoming less common. And New Mexico’s record when it comes to hate crimes is one of the best in the Country.

  47. CONCLUSION We have learned about he hate crimes statute, how to recognize hate crimes and how as Peace Officers to respond to it. Although hate crimes happen less, we need to react quickly and take them seriously.

  48. ADA ELLIOTT HATE CRIMES ACT • NMSA 1978, Section 31-18B-1. Hate Crimes Act • The Hate Crimes Act became law in New Mexico in 2003. A hate crime is not a separate, distinct crime, but refers to sentencing. If an existing crime is “motivated by hate” the sentence can be increased. Some definitions follow: • “Motivated by Hate” means the commission of a crime with the intent to commit the crime because of the actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, handicapped status, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity of the victim, whether or not the offender’s belief or perception was correct.

  49. This act {3118B-1 to 31-18B-5 NMSA 1978] may be cited as the “Hate Crimes Act”.History: Laws 2003, ch. 384, § 7 makes the act effective on July 1, 2003.31-18B-2. Definitions. As used in the Hate Crimes Act [31-18B-1 NMSA 1978]: • “age” means sixty year of age or older; • “gender identity” means a person’s self-perception, or perception of that person by another, of the person’s identity as a male or female based upon the person’s appearance, behavior or physical characteristics that are in accord or opposed to the person’s physical anatomy, chromosomal sex or sex at birth; • “handicapped status” means that the person has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of that person’s functions, such as caring for himself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working; • “motivated by hate” means the commission of a crime with the intent to commit the crime because of the actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, handicapped status, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity of the victim, whether or not the offender’s belief or perception was correct; and • “Sexual Orientation” means heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality, whether actual or perceived. 31-18B-2. Definitions.

  50. Date collection is important: on the top of New Mexico police reports, there is a box for hate/bias crimes. This information will be forwarded to the FBI. Hate crimes differ form other crimes in that the offender is sending a message to members of certain groups that they are not wanted in a particular neighborhood, community, etc. The Hate Crimes Act is sending a message to hate offenders that their behavior is not wanted. • Be wary of making every crime a hate crime. Ask yourself if hate was the motivation for the crime. Gang members, for example, may target senior citizens to be robbed, not because they hate senior citizens, but because they are vulnerable. Two males in a bar get into a fight and yell ethnic slurs at one another; was hate the motivation for the fight or was it something else? But if it’s a hate crime, take note that the victim may need the extra assistance of advocacy groups.

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