Law enforcement officers typically deal with a single victim of crime. But hate crimes are far more complex— they are a message crime motivated by bias or the perception of bias and they have a domino effect of terrorizing not only the targeted victim, but also terrorizing the victim’s family and entire community to which the victim belongs.

This program defines hate crimes according to California and Federal laws and identifies the protected groups or characteristics of victims of hate crimes. The benefits of working closely with community contacts and witnesses are outlined, along with discussion of victim resources available statewide. Gathering evidence, investigation, and reporting of hate crimes is also detailed. The program teaches that it is in the best interest of everyone, especially law enforcement, to do their best in combating hate crimes.

The DVD program offers three viewing options:

1. Play Telecourse in its entirety (114 min.)

2. Select among 12 Telecourse segments:

• Introduction (3 min.)
• Defining Hate Crimes (8 min.)
• Gathering Evidence (6 min.)
• Bridging Cultural Gaps (9 min.)
• Using Community Contacts (11 min.)
• Interviewing Reluctant Witnesses (18 min.)
• Reporting It Right (7 min.)
• Victim Resources (8 min.)
• Gang-Related Hate Crimes (8 min.)
• Hate Crime by Association (10 min.)
• Persons With Disabilities (11 min.)
• Using Technology (12 min.)

3. Select among five Telecourse interactions (scenarios only):

• Hate Crime: Lesbian Couple (13 min.)
• Report Writing Considerations (1 min.)
• Hate Crime: Interracial Couple (5 min.)
• Hate Crime: Mentally Challenged Person (8 min.)
• Hate Crime: Homeless Person (5 min.)