City officials hope a new policy on hate crimes will help organizations in Chattanooga not only to react when such a crime occurs but to work to prevent them.
On Tuesday, the City Council voted 9-0 to approve the policy, which includes provisions to build a network of groups that help hate-crime victims.
“The message is that we will not tolerate hate crimes or wrongful treatment against any of our citizens,” Councilwoman Carol Berz said.
Dr. Berz said she hesitated to use the word “citizen” because protection should come regardless of citizenship status.
Beverly Cosley, director of the city’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, told the council that the policy had developed since 2008 and would work to educate and respond to victims and communities.
“We hate to be so reactive,” Ms. Cosley said. “This way we will have some steps in order.”
During a pre-council Public Safety Committee meeting, Councilwoman Sally Robinson pointed to recent harassment of Burundi refugees living in Chattanooga Housing Authority homes. She praised police response to her call for help for the residents.
BY THE NUMBERSHate crimes reported to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation:* 2008 – 515* 2007 – 372* 2006 – 309* 2005 – 417* 2004 – 359* 2003 – 289* 2002 – 216* 2001 – 329Source: FBI and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
In May 2009, a Burundi refugee living at the Boynton Terrace housing development was raped, which sparked calls for increased support to the refugees, a particularly vulnerable population.
The Chattanooga Police Department has officers trained in hate crime investigation but not a dedicated unit for hate crimes.
The crimes fall under the department’s standard category of either felony or misdemeanor and are pursued as such, police Capt. J.L. Francis said at Tuesday’s meeting.
If bias based on race, religion, creed or disability can be proven in court, then enhancement factors are added, often increasing the punishment upon conviction, he said.