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Bias Incident Investigation Standards: Policy and Procedures for New Jersey Law Enforcement

NCJ Number
109355
Author(s)
L I Becker
Date Published
1988
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This manual presents the policies, procedures, and standards to be followed by all law enforcement officers in New Jersey in responding to and investigating any suspected or confirmed offense that occurs to a person or private or public property on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, or religion.
Abstract
Each New Jersey law enforcement agency confronted with suspected or confirmed bias incident has the responsibility for bringing its investigative and enforcement elements into quick action and to provide a thorough and efficient investigation. The guidelines include a policy statement from the State attorney general, definitions of bias incidents and related criminal violations, a history of New Jersey law enforcement concern with bias incidents, and a purpose statement and summary of the investigation standards. Further sections explain the general role and responsibilities of the law enforcement chief executive, the initial law enforcement response to a bias incident, and the steps to take in confirming incidents and in conducting a followup investigation. Guidelines also cover interagency cooperation, community relations, services to victims and witnesses, bias incident crime prevention programs, reporting through the Uniform Crime Reporting system, and training. Addresses of resource organizations and forms.