3.6 Strengthening
police recording
of hate crimes
The moment at which a hate crime is
recorded is pivotal to the outcome of the
criminal case, as appropriate recording and
categorization of hate crimes by police not
only leads to more prosecutions, but also
helps to strengthen trust among victim
groups in the authorities.
In May 2019, following consultations with
Ukraine’s criminal justice authorities, ODIHR
published two resources to promote consistent
hate crime recording and categorization by
police there. Categorizing and Investigating Hate
Crimes in Ukraine: A Practical Guide contains
guidance, examples and checklists on the
different stages of hate crime response. The
Guide is complemented by an annex, Using Bias
Indicators: A Practical Tool for Police, which lists
indications of a bias-motivated offence, including
victim perception, location, timing and the nature
of the attack.
Presented in a clear and informative style, these
materials are designed for use by everyone
working in law enforcement, from patrol police
to special investigators and the police administrative authorities. They are also an invaluable
resource for those involved in tracking and
monitoring hate crime cases in Ukraine, including
prosecutors, policymakers and civil society.
While these guides were specifically tailored to
Ukraine’s hate crime legislation, ODIHR plans to
adapt and apply them to other jurisdictions.
56
DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE OSCE
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