Bias crimes are characterized by a higher assault rate, a generally high level of violence, frequency of multiple attacks, grievous emotional injuries inflicted on victims, the potential to ignite community disorder, and direct interference with the victims' civil rights. There are generally two types of criminal statutes which States apply broadly to bias crimes: criminal civil rights statutes and bias intimidation laws. Other types of bias crime statutes have more limited applicability: institutional vandalism statutes, prohibitions against paramilitary training, and prohibitions against cross-burnings and the use of racist symbols. The first step to dealing with bias crime effectively is to recognize their unique characteristics. However, law enforcement agencies are hampered in their data collection efforts by victim underreporting as well as operational, definitional, and geographic factors. Coordinated efforts in the areas of data collection, coordination, and training will enhance efforts to prevent bias crimes. 6 figures and 119 notes