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Edina, Minnesota

Bias/Hate Crime Response and Prevention Plan

Rule

The purposes of this plan are:

  • To establish a procedure for appropriate and timely local response to bias/hate crimes or incidents, showing strong community support for the victim and zero community tolerance for bias/hate crimes that occur within the boundaries of the City of Edina;
  • To raise awareness of this issue within the community;
  • To establish a network of community resources that can be activated as needed.

It is not the role of the Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission to investigate such crimes. Rather, it provides or coordinates support to victims of such crimes and leadership in the community in the prevention of bias and hate crimes through education and collaborative community action against prejudice and bigotry.  

HATE CRIME DEFINED:

A hate crime, as defined by criminal statute (Minnesota Statute Section 609.223 1, Subd. 4), is a criminal act committed against a person, institution, or property, of which the primary motivation is the victim's affiliation with a protected class. This includes such criminal acts as arson, assault, vandalism, threats, harassment, and physical acts of violence. State law established the following protected classes: race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and national origin. A recent change in the law allows for the perception of either the victim or the police officer regarding the bias motivation of the crime to cause it to be categorized as a hate crime. Convictions resulting from hate crimes carry enhanced penalties.

Hate crimes are different from discrimination complaints. Although discrimination is against the law, it is not a crime, but rather a civil matter.

PARTNERSHIP:

In order to provide timely, meaningful support to victims of bias/hate crimes, the Commission must partner with the citizens and organizations in the community. The key partners include:

  • The Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission
  • The Edina City Police Department
  • The Edina Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan Community Resources Networ
  • The City Mayor’s office and City Council, if appropriate
  • Edina School District, if appropriate
  • Local media, if appropriate

RESPONSE AND PREVENTION PLAN PROCESS:

  1. The Edina Police Department will notify City Staff and the Human Rights and Relations Commission Chair of a bias/hate crime or incident as soon as possible after a complaint has been investigated and determined to be valid. Together, the Police, City staff and Commission Chair will determine the appropriate level of response including any necessary public statements.

  2. City staff will notify the Mayor or City Council as appropriate. The Mayor or Commission Chair will promptly contact the victim(s) to offer support and determine what further response from the City or community the victim desires and may be appropriate.

  3. The Commission Chair will call upon members of the Community Resources Network as needed. Community response options include:

•  Contact appropriate members of Community Resources Network to inform them of the incident and request their support and participation in the response.

•  Contact the Project Coordinator of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission to seek support and ensure that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights is notified.

•  Contact neighborhood crime watch coordinator who would determine whether the affected area is participating in a watch program and would assist in enlisting the victim's neighbors to attend the interview or offer other necessary support.

•  Only where appropriate and after consultation with the victim(s), the Mayor or City staff, the Commission and/or network representatives may send letters to the media, conduct interviews with the local cable channel and plan other community-wide response.

  1. Follow-up contact with the victim(s) should be made within one week in person or by telephone by the Commission Chair or designated contact person. Check on any recurrences, other problems and offer continued support.

  2. Commission Chair or designee will initiate follow-up contact in one month and beyond as appropriate.

  3. After follow-up has occurred, the Commission and network representatives involved shall meet as necessary to review the process of response and take action or make changes.

  4. The Commission will send letters of appreciation to network representatives involved.

  5. The Commission will provide a summary report of the response to the Edina City Council and Police Chief

  6. At least annually, the Commission will review the overall process and recommend necessary amendments to the City Council and Police Chief.

  7. The Commission will periodically sponsor training to promote the understanding and prevention of hate/bias crimes through collaborative community action.

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Brochure Download the Commission's brochure, "A Citizen's Guide to Bias Hate Crime and Discrimination"