FBI Seattle launches campaign for awareness, reporting of hate crimes

SEATTLE — The Seattle office of the FBI has launched a campaign to build awareness of hate crimes and to encourage people to report such crimes in Washington.

An awareness campaign launched on FBI Seattle’s Twitter page, and ads can be seen at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and on Seattle public transit, including buses and trains, to prompt the public to report hate crimes to the FBI.

The FBI investigates hundreds of hate crimes every year, but officials say hate crimes are often underreported to federal and local authorities.

The FBI is the lead agency that investigates criminal violations of federal civil rights laws.

“Hate crimes, defined as a traditional offense with an added element of bias, are the highest priority of the FBI’s civil rights program because of the devastating impact they have on families and communities,” a news release said.

The FBI works with state, local, and tribal authorities on investigations, even when federal charges are not brought.

“The FBI cannot do our work without the public’s help,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald M. Voiret. “We encourage people to report any behavior they think might be a hate crime, even if they are unsure. Give law enforcement the opportunity to conduct a thorough, fair review of the facts to figure out if an incident was truly motivated by bias.”

FBI resources such as forensic expertise, and experience in identification and proof of hate-based motivations often aid local law enforcement with their hate crime cases. Many cases are also prosecuted under other state laws such as murder, arson or assault.

The FBI said it works to protect all victims of crimes, regardless of their country of origin or immigration status.

If you believe you have been the target or victim of a hate crime or other civil rights violations, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324) or the FBI Seattle Division at 206-622-0460. You can also submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov. Tips can remain anonymous and can be made in an individual’s native language.

After a report is submitted, the FBI will work with its law enforcement partners to determine if an incident meets the standards to be classified as a crime.

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