Hate crimes and bias-related incidents are intended to induce fear and cause psychological or physical harm based on a perceived membership in a specific group, such as race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or religious belief. The Bellevue Police Department strongly encourages the reporting of hate crimes and bias-related incidents, and we understand victims may be fearful of reporting for a variety of reasons. We strive to make the process simple and comforting for all.
Hate Crimes
A person is guilty of a hate crime if they maliciously and intentionally commit one of the acts listed below based on the attacker’s perception of a victim’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical or sensory disability.
- Physical assault.
- Threats to a person or group of people that causes the victims to have "reasonable fear" that the attacker will cause physical injury or property damage.
- Damage or destruction of a victim's property.
Bias incidents
Bias incidents are acts of prejudice that are not criminal in nature and not involving violence, threats or property damage. Threatening words do not constitute a hate crime if it is apparent to the victim that the person does not have the ability to carry out the threat. Bias incidents are still important to report. They negatively impact whole communities and deserve to be elevated and understood by the public.
- Yelling profanity and insults
- Distributing racist flyers in public places
- Displaying hateful materials on private property
How to Report a Hate Crime or Bias Incident
Call 911 for an emergency if the incident is in progress, just happened or you feel you are in danger. An officer will arrive and take your report. The officer will document and investigate the incident.
Report online or call the police non-emergency number (425) 577-5656 if the incident occurred in the past. An online report creates an official police record and is reviewed by a supervisor.
Report in person at City Hall or the police substations in Crossroads and Factoria.
Be a Good Witness
Experiencing or witnessing a Hate Crime or Bias-related Incident is traumatic, but it's imperative you remember as much detail as possible about the incident. Responding officers will ask you for your contact information and the time and location of the incident. If there's a suspect, officers will need a complete description and exactly what was said to the best of your ability. The responding officer will also want a copy of any video or pictures.
Alternative Resources
- King County Coalition Against Hate and Bias
- Eastside For All
- Chinese Information and Service Center
- Muslim Community and Neighborhood Association
- Immigrant Women's Community Center
- Indian American Community Services
- 4Tomorrow