Richmond RCMP and the City of Richmond are calling on victims and witnesses to report racially motivated incidents directly to police when they happen.
The Mounties’ top cop, Chief Supt. Dave Chauhan, highlighted the growing trend of the RCMP learning of hate-motivated incidents second-hand via news outlets and social media.
“…in order for our investigators to give these allegations the fulsome attention they deserve, we need to speak directly to victims and witnesses,” said Chauhan.
“We need people to come forward to police in the first instance.”
Chauhan and the RCMP said it recognizes that, in some instances, “hate incidents” do not involve a criminal offence or meet the definition of a “hate crime” under the Criminal Code.
However, although a racist, homophobic or other abhorrent comment, or a rant to a stranger, may not meet the threshold of a criminal offence, the RCMP said it will “continue to conduct fulsome investigations on these matters, seeking to understand the root cause of this behaviour and engaging appropriate community partners, if required.”
To encourage victims and witnesses to go to the police directly, Richmond residents will soon begin seeing posters in City of Richmond facilities, such as libraries, community centres, and other highly visible locations.
“By learning of these incidents as they occur, and by speaking directly to the victims and witnesses, our investigators will able to act more quickly in efforts to stop this harmful behaviour in our community,” added Chauhan.
Richmond’s mayor, Malcolm Brodie, echoed the call-to-action saying, “Racial and discriminatory action have no place in Richmond nor in our society, and they will not be tolerated.
“Unfortunately, such attitudes exist and are in direct contradiction to the spirit of inclusion we uphold.
“I urge residents to stand together to address and condemn all forms of discrimination and racism. If you experience or witness a hate incident, do not hesitate to contact the RCMP.”
Important contact details to remember are:
Richmond RCMP non-emergency: 604-278-1212
Richmond RCMP emergency: 9-1-1
Vancouver Coastal Health (mental health support): 604-204-1111 or vch.ca/richmondmentalhealth
Crime Stoppers (to remain anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or bccrimestoppers.com
