Bias Crime Unit

>> Go to the Hate Crime & Bias Incident Dashboard
>> How to report a hate crime or bias incident

About the Bias Crime Unit

The Seattle Police Department is dedicated to enforcing Federal, Washington State, and City of Seattle hate crime laws and tracking bias-related incidents. The Bias Crimes Unit is housed in the Violent Crimes Section and is staffed by a detective, who serves as the Bias Crimes Coordinator, and a civilian Research Analyst. The Bias Crimes Unit performs criminal investigations, acts as a resource to patrol and other follow up units, engages in officer training, public outreach, and is responsible for maintaining hate crime and incident data. The Bias Crimes Unit works with other governmental agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, neighboring law enforcement agencies and the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.

SPD Bias Crime Data

The Bias Crimes Unit reviews all bias-related crime and incident reports. Statistical data is posted to the Seattle Police Department’s public-facing Bias Crime Dashboard, properly reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and shared with the Mayor’s Office and the Seattle City Council.

Outreach and Engagement Opportunities?

The Seattle Police Department values partnering with the community to increase knowledge and safety. People who experience hate incidents come from many different backgrounds. We recognize that people who may be targeted in these incidents may not be familiar with available resources or have had difficult experiences with law enforcement in the past. We believe the best time to build relationships is before a critical incident happens. The Bias Crime Coordinator accepts invitations to speak to groups about how to recognize hate activity, what to do if you are targeted or witness someone else being victimized, how to report an incident to the Seattle Police Department, and what to expect after an incident is reported. Religious institutions, schools, refugee and immigrant resource centers, neighborhood groups, employers and others are invited to request a meeting with the Bias Crime Coordinator.

Are you a business owner in Seattle who would like to send a message that you support victims of hate crime? Please check out the Seattle Police Department’s Safe Place Program to learn how you can become a safe place for victims of hate crime to get help.

Hate Crime Reports

Outside Resources

Police

Sue Rahr, Interim Chief of Police
Address: 610 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104-1900
Mailing Address: PO Box 34986, Seattle, WA, 98124-4986
Phone: (206) 625-5011
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The Seattle Police Department (SPD) prevents crime, enforces laws, and supports quality public safety by delivering respectful, professional, and dependable police services. SPD operates within a framework that divides the city into five geographical areas called "precincts".