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Minnesota State College Southeast
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Hate Crimes


A hate crime is a criminal offense committed against persons, property or society that is motivated, in whole or in part, by an offender's bias against an individual's or a group's perceived race, religion, ethnic/national origin, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. Legal definitions of hate crimes vary.

Hate incidents are those actions by an individual or group that, while motivated by bias, do not rise to the level of a criminal offense.

Security and/or university personnel arriving on the scene should act immediately to:

  • Secure the scene
  • Stabilize the victim(s) and request medical attention when necessary
  • Ensure the safety of victims, witnesses and perpetrators
  • Preserve the crime scene
  • Conduct a preliminary investigation; record information on
  • Identity of suspected perpetrator(s)
  • Identity of witnesses, including those no longer on the scene
  • Prior occurrences, in this area or with this victim
  • Statements made by suspects - exact wording is critical
  • Contact the Director of Security (or designee immediately)
  • Contact law enforcement immediately if a crime has occurred

NOTE - In the presence of the victim, the officer should neither confirm nor deny that the incident is a hate crime - that determination will be made later in the investigative process.