Hate/Bias-Motivated Incidents

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Report a Bias-Motivated Incident Anonymously

If you’ve experienced or witnessed something that feels wrong and think it may have been motivated by bias or prejudice, we’re here to listen. Whether it’s a comment, action, or behavior that made you feel unsafe or targeted because of who you are or who someone thinks you are — no matter how small — it’s worth reporting. You can share your experience completely anonymously if that’s what makes you most comfortable. Every report helps us better protect our community and prevent future harm. If you want to report an active event or are in an unsafe situation, please call 9-1-1.

Additional information can be found by expanding the various sections below. To submit a report of a bias-motivated incident, please click the button below.

ADDITONAL INFORMATION

Protecting Our Community From Hate

(Learn how the Tempe Police Department works to keep community members safe)

What is a Hate Crime or Bias Incident?

A hate crime happens when someone breaks the law and hurts another person because of their race, religion, disability, gender, or another protected trait. For example, if someone damages property or attacks another person because of their skin color or beliefs, it’s not just a regular crime, it’s a hate crime. A bias incident, on the other hand, might not break the law but still targets someone because of these same reasons. Both can be harmful, and it’s important to take them seriously.

What Makes It Different in Arizona?

Protected Classes in Hate Crimes

A protected class is a group of people who share a common characteristic that is legally protected from discrimination and hate crimes. Under federal and Arizona laws, hate crimes can be committed against someone because of their actual or perceived membership in one of these protected classes:

Race – Includes ethnicity, ancestry, and national origin.
Color – Refers to skin color or complexion.
Religion – Protects people of all faiths, beliefs, and religious practices.
National Origin – Refers to where someone or their family is from.
Sexual Orientation – Includes individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual, or other orientations.
Gender – Protects people based on their gender, including male, female, and non-binary identities.
Gender Identity – Includes people whose gender identity may be different from their assigned sex at birth, such as transgender or gender-fluid individuals.
Disability – Covers individuals with physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments.

These classes are protected to make sure that people are treated fairly and that crimes motivated by bias or prejudice are addressed more seriously.

Why Homelessness Isn’t a Protected Class

While homelessness is a serious issue that affects many people, it’s not considered a protected class under hate crime laws. Protected classes are groups that have historically faced discrimination based on things like race, religion, or disability. However, this doesn’t mean that crimes against people experiencing homelessness aren’t taken seriously—they are, and should be reported to the Tempe Police Department at (480) 350-8311.

Validate Feelings

It’s important to remember that even if an incident isn’t legally a hate crime, it doesn’t mean the harm someone felt isn’t real. Feelings matter and recognizing that harm is the first step toward healing. The Tempe Police Department believes that no one should be treated unfairly because of who they are or how they present. Each hate crime victimizes not one person but many. We want everyone to feel safe and respected in our community.

Examples of Bias-Motivated Incidents

What Happens When Someone Reports a Hate Crime or Bias Incident?

When someone reports an incident to the Tempe Police Department, the information is carefully reviewed. If the officer believes bias may have played a role, the report is flagged, and detectives with specialized training look deeper into the case. If it’s determined to be a hate crime, the Tempe Police Department will investigate, according to the chart below.

The information is also sent to the Arizona Department of Public Safety and then to the FBI to be counted in national statistics.

Bias Based Offense Investigative Cycle

Why Aren’t All Incidents Reported?

Why Reporting Matters

Even if something seems small, reporting it can help prevent bigger problems down the road. Every report helps police understand where and how these incidents happen. When people speak up, they help protect their community and show that hate has no place here. It’s okay if someone isn’t sure whether what happened is a hate crime—reporting gives experts a chance to look into it. Recognizing patterns early can prevent escalation and protect the safety of the entire community. Every report matters.

Training and Support for Understanding Harm

Nothing is Too Small to Report

You’re Not Alone

Ready to Share? Your Safety Comes First

Thank you for taking the time to consider sharing your experience. We understand that reporting can feel overwhelming, and your comfort and safety are our top priorities. If you’re ready to report, you can do so anonymously or choose to leave your contact information if you’d like someone to follow up with you or provide resources. Your voice matters, and by reporting, you’re helping make our community safer for everyone.

Click here to report a bias-motivated incident