Police officers are uniquely positioned to address hate crimes, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police has published a guide on how police officers can investigate and prevent hate crimes. The FBI defines a hate crime as any act, whether criminal or not, in which prejudice is evident as a contributing factor and the intention is to harm. Because hate incidents are often precursors to hate crimes, police officers should take hate incidents seriously. Police officers can act as the catalyst to bring community leaders together to discuss hate crimes and bias. In responding to hate crimes, the FBI recommends two stages: (1) First responders compile an initial report and gather evidence; and (2) Investigators determine whether a hate crime has been committed. Key hate crime indicators are listed, and a profile of the hate crime offender is presented. The importance of close links between the police and the community in dealing with hate crimes is stressed. 5 photographs