State police: Hate/bias crimes on the rise
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
Pennsylvania State Police have pledged their support to Asian-American communities.
In a letter sent to local, state and federal stakeholders, police said in addition to COVID-19 impacting lives, schools and businesses, it has also led to hate/bias crime.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world in ways we could never have imagined,” the letter states. “Lives are being lost, schools and businesses are closed, and our way of life has drastically changed.
“Other consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have also struck us at our core.”
State Police Commissioner Col. Robert Evanchick said hate/bias crimes and incidents targeting Asian Americans have increased.
The crimes are based upon “misinformation regarding COVID-19,” he added.
“The Asian American community and other minority groups should know that the state police take every allegation of hate/bias crime seriously, and each complaint receives a full investigation,” Evanchick said. “We will not tolerate hate or bias of any kind in Pennsylvania.”
The PSP Heritage Affairs Section is a unit dedicated to the prevention and investigation of hate/bias crimes and incidents.
The unit works closely with community organizations, lawmakers and municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies to mitigate issues between law enforcement and historically underserved communities.
Members of the Heritage Affairs Section routinely meet with stakeholders on a proactive basis to address their concerns and maintain open lines of communication between their communities and law enforcement.
To date, the PSP has not investigated any hate/bias crimes related to COVID-19 targeting Asian American communities in Pennsylvania.
“Victims may be reluctant to come forward for cultural reasons, or because they don’t feel the crime against them rises to the level of law enforcement involvement,” Evanchick said. “We want the community to know that any crime motivated by hate or bias is unacceptable. The Heritage Affairs Section, and our department, supports affected communities during these unprecedented times.”
To report a hate/bias crime or incident, call 911 or the local police department. Tips can also be sent to PA Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-4PA-Tips or emailing tips@pa.gov.
