albany5 600
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation Monday establishing a hate crimes recognition training program for local law enforcement (S.3909A.3606). This measure directs the Municipal Police Training Council to work alongside the New York State Division of Human Rights and Hate Crimes Task Force to develop, maintain and distribute policies and procedures ensuring local law enforcement are properly trained in recognizing and responding to hate crimes.

"Hatred has no place in New York State and we will continue taking aggressive measures to stamp out hate whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head," Cuomo said. "This measure will provide our law enforcement with the tools they need to identify and respond to hate crimes - moving us one step closer to a stronger, fairer and more inclusive Empire State for all."

While New York has some of the strongest protections against hate crimes in the nation, recent incidents have highlighted a need for better training in recognizing and responding to hate crimes for local law enforcement. By establishing a hate crimes recognition training program, this measure will help ensure all state and local law enforcement agencies are properly trained in recognizing and responding to hate crimes, discouraging future crimes and creating greater accountability.

v15i45