The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is pleased to announce it has been awarded $1.2 million in funding through the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s Community Safety and Policing Grant. The grant, to be issued over a three-year period, will enhance our ability to combat hate within the region of Halton through the launch of an overarching initiative called: #NoHateInHalton – Promoting Respect, Equity and Inclusivity in Our Community.
Hate- and bias-motivated crimes are an increasing concern for members of our community and for the HRPS. The Service rigorously and thoroughly investigates any allegations or reports of incidents motivated by hate or bias. We also recognize that crimes motivated by hate continue to be significantly underreported to police.
This transformative grant will be used to address several strategic priorities under the multi-year #NoHateInHalton Initiative, including:
Community consultations to identify i) opportunities for removing barriers to reporting hate- or bias- motivated crimes; ii) how to enhance the Service’s response to acts motivated by hate or bias; and iii) how to best support those impacted by such incidents.
Increasing personnel assigned to our hate- and bias-motivated crime response.
Enhanced training for all our members, both sworn and civilian, on how to best respond to acts of hate-and bias and support those impacted.
Expansion of our annual #NoHateInHalton awareness campaign in educational facilities across the region.
Establishment of an annual Hate Crime Symposium, hosted by the HRPS, to facilitate collaboration between community stakeholders across all pertinent sectors.
Identification of opportunities for new partnerships and avenues for public education to enhance the region’s community safety and well-being efforts to eliminate hate.
The HRPS would like to thank the Ministry of the Solicitor General for their support of this initiative.
No one should be targeted based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other similar factor.
“Hate has no place in our region,” says Halton Regional Police Service Chief Stephen J. Tanner. “In the coming years, the Halton Regional Police Service looks forward to executing on these strategic, expanded efforts to combat hate, and to increasing our proactive work alongside community partners to reduce and eventually eliminate hate within the region of Halton.”
Every person has the right to feel safe in our community. If you are victimized or have information related to a hate or bias motivated crime, we encourage you to contact the Halton Regional Police. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. "See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in Halton Region for victims of hate or bias motivated crimes:
Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit: 905-825-4777 ext. 5239
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
R.O.C.K. Crisis Response: 905-878-9785
Halton Multicultural Council (HMC Connections): 905-842-2486
Thrive Counselling: 905-637-5256 or 905-845-3811
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