A new hate crimes bureau is forming

L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca has announced that a centralized Hate Crimes Unit has been established within the department’s Detective Division and unveiled a future vision of a countywide hate crimes’ task force involving all L.A. County police agencies.

Baca said law enforcement officials will be in a better position to effectively handle hate-related crimes only after a realistic look at the problem.

"In 1999, there were 859 hate crimes reported in the county, a nearly 12 percent increase over the previous year," Baca said.

"The spike may simply indicate a growing awareness of hate crimes among victims and greater emphasis on training in the identification of hate crimes by law enforcement. ‘‘Whatever the reason, it is apparent that these types of crimes will continue to increase unless specific strategies are employed to attack the problem," he said.

Baca’s ultimate goal is creation of a countywide hate crimes’ task force. It would become a central reporting point and investigative unit for hate crimes committed anywhere within L.A. County.

It would enhance, Baca said, the strategies of investigators, prosecutors and communities in addressing and combating hate crimes.

For more information, please call the Major Crimes Bureau Hate Crimes Unit and ask for Sgt. Kathy Voyer at (562) 946-7286.