Massachusetts General Law defines a Hate Crime as any criminal act coupled with overt actions motivated by bigotry and bias including, but not limited to, a threatened, attempted or completed overt act motivated at least in part by racial, religious, ethnic, handicap, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation prejudice, or which otherwise deprives another person of his constitutional rights by threats, intimidation or coercion, or which seek to interfere with or disrupt a person's exercise of constitutional rights through harassment or intimidation.

Hate speech is defined by Black’s Law Dictionary (10th ed., 2014) as: “Speech that carries no meaning other than the expression of hatred for some group, such as a particular race, esp. in circumstances in which the communication is likely to provoke violence.”

While offensive, hate speech by itself is protected by the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. When the freedom of speech may transition from a protected freedom of expression to a hate crime can be confusing. When such speech is coupled with a criminal act such as threats, assault, etc., the act becomes a hate crime.

Hate crimes are against the law. All Dedham Police Department personnel are committed to safeguarding the state and federal civil rights of all individuals irrespective of their race, national origin, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity. Any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes that are designed to infringe upon every person’s civil rights will be treated seriously. 

Hate crimes are viewed very seriously and will be given high priority. The Dedham Police Department will use every necessary resource rapidly and decisively to identify the perpetrators, arrest and prosecute them, and take vigorous enforcement action.

Hate crimes are reported in the same manner as other crimes. If the situation is an emergency, call 911. If the situation is not currently an emergency, call 781 326-1212. An officer will respond to provide any immediate assistance which may be needed and to initiate a preliminary investigation. Depending on the circumstances, the Department’s Investigations Bureau, Civil Rights Officer and/or outside agencies may assist.