By Police1 Staff
The International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law have joined forces to continue a dialogue on hate crimes.
The partnership will lead discussions about how to break down barriers and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and vulnerable communities, according to a press release.
“By joining forces, we will assist agencies and community leaders in effectively responding to hate crimes, providing resources, and developing solutions to prevent such incidents,” IACP President Donald De Lucca said. “Through the advisory committee, the IACP and Lawyers’ Committee will bring together unique expertise to establish an achievable action agenda that will help stakeholders across the United States respond quickly to these crimes, making a lasting impact on victims and their communities.”
The committee will be focusing on incidents that are motivated by actual or perceived race, national origin, religious background, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability of a person. They aim to discuss legal, economic, emotional, social and safety issues that arise during such events and will provide recommendations on the best response. Committee members include law enforcement and civil rights leaders, advocates, academics and hate crime victims.
President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee Kristen Clarke said the events in Charlottesville served as a “reminder that too many communities are targets of hate-fueled acts.”
“In these difficult moments, we must redouble our efforts to combat hate,” she said. “That includes a thoughtful dialogue among law enforcement and the civil rights community to ensure the needs of targeted communities, including racial and religious minorities, LGBT, and the handicapped are addressed.”
The first meeting is on Sept. 19. After the agenda is finalized, private and public funding will be sought for implementation by the IACP and Lawyers’ Committee. Once funded, IACP and the Lawyers’ Committee hope the agenda will help improve the safety of all individuals threatened by hate.