Alberta RCMP encourages reporting of hate-motivated crimes as incidents spike

A spike in hate-motivated incidents targeting the 2SLGBTQ+ community in various communities across the province has prompted the Alberta RCMP to remind residents to report all hate-related incidents to their local authorities.

The vandalism of rainbow sidewalks and murals in Okotoks and Ponoka, protests against public libraries, schools, and other community 2SLGBTQ+ events, are just some of the instances cited by the RCMP, emphasizing the importance of reporting any actions, language, or behaviour one feels to be a hate crime.

“The Alberta RCMP firmly believes that everyone should feel safe, and be treated with equality and respect,” it said in a press release Friday. “We are committed to ensuring everyone we serve can live in communities free from discrimination and bias, and we take any action that threatens the safety and security of others extremely seriously.

“To be clear, the RCMP will follow up on all reports and if appropriate, charges will be laid.”

Read more: 

• Ponoka United Church Pride steps vandalized

• Pride crosswalk vandalized in Okotoks; RCMP release suspect photos

Mounties explain that a hate crime is actions committed against a person or property, motivated either partly or entirely by bias, prejudice or hate towards an identifiable group or community, including age, colour, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

Hate-motivated actions can range from physical assaults or threats of violence, property damage or destruction (including graffiti with homo, bi, or transphobic slurs and hate symbols), to harassment and discriminatory comments, police add.

Even if you aren’t sure if an incident is illegal, reporting it to police is encouraged. While reporting allows perpetrators to be held responsible, it also allows RCMP to provide victims with support services and keep track of repeated behaviours, they say.

“Hate has no place in Alberta,” the statement adds. “All communities deserve to feel safe and be fully included in all aspects of our society.”

If you see or hear any hate-motivated behaviours, report it by contacting your local RCMP detachment. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers.