Know Your Rights - Stop Hate Here!

In Montgomery County, a hate crime is a criminal act that is intended to damage property or to hurt or intimidate a person because of race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or disability. The State of Maryland also extends protections for hate crimes based on: gender, gender-related identity, color, or homelessness.

Some examples of hate crimes are: vandalism and property damage which include hate symbols or language, hate-related graffiti, physical assault, arson, cross burning, bomb threats, and intimidation or threat.

Some hate-motivated acts do not rise to the level of a hate crime, so the person(s) responsible for the act cannot be charged with a crime in Montgomery County. These acts may still leave individuals feeling victimized. Examples of hate-motivated acts that do not rise to the level of a crime include: name-calling, offensive language, or hateful speech or writings.

It is important to report hate incidents to the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) and the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights (MCOHR) and to allow the proper authorities to determine whether the act violated the law.

Report the crime or incident – this is the first thing you should do! Please call the Montgomery County Police 9-1-1 whenever you or someone else is threatened or in danger. Call the non-emergency police number – 301-279-8000 – only if the situation is clearly not an emergency.

f you witness a situation in progress, even if it seems like a non-emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. Calling 9-1-1 will enable the police to respond quickly and makes it more likely that the police will catch the perpetrator(s). For your own safety do not take it upon yourself to confront perpetrator(s).

MCPD can take a report in person or by telephone, including an anonymous report. No matter what your immigration status, report the hate incident. The MCPD does not question the documentation status of victims and witnesses to crimes.

The police will investigate the crime or incident and take appropriate actions. They may be able to prevent incidents from escalating into hate crimes. In addition, after you obtain a police report, you may file an intimidation claim with the MCOHR at 240- 777-8450

• Report the hate crime to the police;
• Do not alter or remove evidence of the hate crime;
• Contact the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights if you want to file an intimidation complaint; and
• Use the resources in this brochure to get help.

• Speak up! Hate is an attack on the entire community, and it must be exposed and denounced
• Give support and comfort to victims of hate crimes and acts.
• Discuss issues and actions with civic or community associations, religious groups, friends, and neighbors.
• Host a neighborhood meeting to discuss actions that can be taken to prevent hate crimes and incidents
• Start a neighborhood watch group. Call the Police District station that serves your area and talk to the Community Services Officer for information on how to begin a neighborhood watch group
• Contact your local media and ask for their help in publicizing hate crimes. Write letters to the editor. The print and broadcast media can be helpful allies in preventing and solving hate crimes
• Educate your elected officials and community leaders about the hate activities. They can be influential in combating hate crimes.

Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD)
Information on filing an incident report with the police is provided in this brochure. If you need information from the MCPD, please contact the Hate Crimes coordinator at 240-777-5056

Victim Assistance Program
The MCPD has an Office of Victim Services in each District. The contact information is below:

• 1st District (Rockville) - 240-773-6082
• 2nd District (Bethesda) - 301-652-9200
• 3rd District (Silver Spring) - 301-565-7740
• 4th District (Wheaton) - 240-773-5500
• 5th District (Germantown) - 240-773-6214
• 6th District (Montgomery Village) - 240-773-5700

In addition, Montgomery County residents who are victims of crimes committed in Montgomery County are eligible for services from the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP). Services include counseling, court companions, criminal justice advocates, and assistance in applying for the Crime Victim’s Compensation Fund. Please call either 240-777-1355 or the Crisis Line at 240-777-HELP (4357).

Montgomery County Office of Human Rights (MC-OHR)
Contact the MCOHR to file a complaint of intimidation, or the Network of Neighbors (affiliated with the MCOHR) for other assistance. Both the OHR and its Network of Neighbors maintain confidentiality, unless a victim grants permission to disclose information. To contact MCOHR, please call 240-777-8450.

The Committee on Hate and Violence (COHV)
The COHV administers a fund for victims of hate crimes, called the Partnership Fund for Victims of Hate Violence.

Individuals and private institutions may be eligible under County law for reimbursement for property damage up to a limit of $2,000 for each hate/ violence act, and up to $4,000 for medical expenses incurred from physical injury. Compensation cannot exceed $8,000 to any one victim within a 12-month period. For more information about this fund, please call 240-777-8450 or send an email message to: [email protected].