Assembly Bill 485 - Hate Crimes

The Union City Police Department has a zero-tolerance policy on hate crime. Investigating hate crime is one of our highest priorities and we are committed to investigating all incidents in a timely and thorough manner. We are dedicated to protecting the safety and civil liberties of our unique, culturally rich, and diverse community. 

HATE CRIME OR HATE INCIDENT? 

It is important to know the difference between a hate crime and a hate incident. Although UCPD condemns both, only hate crimes are legally actionable for law enforcement. Hate crimes can be prosecuted as either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the acts committed.

Existing law defines a hate crime as a criminal act committed, in whole or in part, because of actual or perceived characteristics of the victim, including, but not limited to, race, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. 

Per the Department of Justice, a hate incident is an action or behavior motivated by hate but legally protected by the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. If a hate incident starts to threaten a person or property, it may become a hate crime. Examples of hate incidents include: 

  • Name-calling
  • Insults
  • Displaying hate materials on your own property.
  • Posting hate material that does not result in property damage.
  • Distribution of materials with hate messages in public places.

More information related to the Department of Justice’s definition of a hate incident can be found here. 

HOW TO SPOT A HATE CRIME

Signs that a crime was motivated by hate may include: 

  • The offender chose the victim or property because they belonged to a protected group, like a certain religion or gender. 
  • The offender made written or verbal comments showing a prejudice.
  • The crime happened on a date that is important for the victim’s or offender’s protected group.
  • There is organized hate activity in the area

REPORTING A HATE CRIME

In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. To report an incident not involving immediate danger, please contact us at 510-471-1365 and select the option to speak with a dispatcher.  

HATE CRIME IN UNION CITY

In an effort for increased transparency, community education and awareness, UCPD posts information related to hate crime activity on our bi-weekly blotter which can be accessed here. In addition, our department reports hate crime data to the Department of Justice which is subsequently published in their annual report. More information about the Department of Justice’s annual report can be accessed here.

UCPD POLICIES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

UCPD Hate Crimes Policy

UCPD Hate Crimes Investigation Checklist

UCPD Hate Crimes Victim Brochure

DOJ Hate Crimes Fact Sheet

Statutes & Legal Requirements

OUTSIDE RESOURCES

  • Calif. Dept. of Justice -Victims Services Unit: 877-433-9069
  • Alameda County Hate Crimes Hotline: 510-208-4824
  • Centro de Servicios: 510-489-4100  http://www.centrodeservicios.org
  • Bay Area Women Against Rape (BAWAR): 510-800-4247
  • Calif. Dept. of Fair Employment & Housing: 800-884-1684
  • Community United Against Violence: 415-333-HELP
  • NAACP—Hayward South Alameda County: 510-581-4111 www.naacp.org
  • Victims of Crime Resource Center: 800-VICTIMS
  • Afghan Coalition: 510-745-1620
  • Anti-Defamation League: 415-981-3500 https://www.adl.org
  • Jewish Family Services: 510-704-7475 https://jfcs-eastbay.org