The B.C. government is increasing staffing for the provincial hate crimes unit, led by the RCMP, in response to a rise in reported hate-related offences.
The Province is investing more than $734,000 to support the B.C. hate crimes unit by adding five additional RCMP officers and one intelligence analyst, increasing the unit’s capacity from two to eight personnel in total.
This includes six RCMP officers and one civilian analyst. The investment is part of the Province’s $230-million funding package for the provincial police service.
According to provincial data, police-reported hate crimes in B.C. increased by 23 per cent from 2022 to 2023.
Hate crimes related to race or ethnicity rose by 12 per cent, those related to religion increased by over 50 per cent, and those linked to sexual orientation rose by 43 per cent.
The expanded unit is responsible for investigating hate-motivated crimes and supporting criminal justice processes through evidence gathering and expert testimony.
Additionally, working with community and faith-based organizations on public education and prevention efforts.
“This expanded team will strengthen our ability to address hate-related crimes and lead proactive initiatives that make our communities stronger,” said Chief Supt. Elija Rain, officer in charge of the B.C. RCMP major crime section.
B.C. operates the only dedicated provincial hate crimes unit in Canada.
In addition to the provincial funding, the federal government has allocated $4 million to B.C. through the Shift B.C. program, which supports initiatives addressing hate, radicalization to violence, and public safety risks.
Eight police departments and two non-profit agencies are receiving a portion of these funds.
A toll-free helpline for hate-crime related incidents is available at 1-833-457-5463.
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