Hate/Bias-Motivated Crimes
Report a Bias-Motivated Incident Anonymously
If you’ve experienced or witnessed something that feels wrong and think it may have been motivated by bias or prejudice, we’re here to listen. Whether it’s a comment, action, or behavior that made you feel unsafe or targeted because of who you are or who someone thinks you are — no matter how small — it’s worth reporting. You can share your experience completely anonymously. Every report helps us better protect our community and prevent future harm. If you want to report an active event or are in an unsafe situation, please call 9-1-1.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A HATE/BIAS-MOTIVATED INCIDENT
Below is additional information.
Even if something seems small, reporting it can help prevent bigger problems down the road. Every report helps police understand where and how these incidents happen. When people speak up, they help protect their community and show that hate has no place here. It’s okay if someone isn’t sure whether what happened is a hate crime—reporting gives experts a chance to look into it. Recognizing patterns early can prevent escalation and protect the safety of the entire community. Every report matters.
Unfortunately, many hate crimes and bias incidents go unreported. Victims might not feel comfortable talking to the police or fear that nothing will be done. National data suggests that hate crimes are underreported, meaning the problem might be bigger than we realize. Reporting these incidents helps law enforcement identify trends and stop future harm.
When someone reports an incident to the City of Cincinnati, the information is carefully reviewed. If the City believes bias may have played a role and there is a potential crime, the report is flagged, and detectives with specialized training look deeper into the case. If it’s determined to be a hate crime, CPD will investigate further.
Bias incidents can look different depending on the situation. It could be someone yelling hurtful slurs, vandalizing a religious building, or even targeting someone online because of who they are. These actions, even if they don’t lead to physical harm, can still deeply affect individuals and entire communities and should be reported.
A hate crime happens when someone breaks the law and hurts another person because of their race, religion, disability, gender, or another protected trait. For example, if someone damages property or attacks another person because of their skin color or beliefs, it’s not just a regular crime, it’s a hate crime. A bias incident, on the other hand, might not break the law but still targets someone because of these same reasons. Both can be harmful, and it’s important to take them seriously.