Hate Crimes

What is a hate incident?

Generally, speech is not enough to charge a hate crime. To charge a hate crime, speech must threaten violence, target a specific person or group, and the offender must have the apparent ability to carry out the threat. Speech that does not meet these criteria, however ugly, intimidating, and upsetting, still does not meet criminal behavior. Behavior that may cause an individual to feel like a victim of a hate crime can be documented as a “Hate Incident.”

What is a hate crime?

A hate crime is a criminal act or attempted criminal act committed against a victim or their property because the victim is perceived to be a member of a protected class, including: disability, gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Hate crimes can include:

  • Physical assault
  • Threatening phone calls
  • Vandalizing personal property

The freedom of speech, as protected by the US Constitution, allows one to express opinions and ideas as long as it does not interfere with the civil rights of others. If this behavior escalates to threats being made or criminal acts being carried out, it could become classified as a hate crime.

Reports of Hate Crime in Marina

Year 2024

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTotal
Counts01000100000--2

Year 2023 

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTotal
Counts0000000210003


What Should You Do If You Experience Acts of Hate?

The Marina Police Department is committed to investigating all reported acts of hate and offers you it's commitment that all incidents will be thoroughly investigated and addressed. If you are in immediate danger and need to report an emergency, dial 9-1-1. To report a non-urgent matter or incident to the Marina Police Department call: (831) 384-7575 to have an officer respond to your location or call you to receive your report.

  • Be prepared to speak with a dispatcher and/or police officer about what happened.
  • Document the exact words spoken to you by the offender as soon as possible.
  • Seek medical attention if you are injured.

Anonymous Reporting

The Marina Police Department offers several options to anonymously report a crime:

  • Call our anonymous crime tip line at (831) 884-1286
  • Follow the link to report a crime report on this website

Other Resources

CA vs Hate - California Civil Rights Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
US Department of Justice
California Department of Justice - Attorney General


Department of Justice Hate Crimes Brochure: English, Spanish, Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, 
Chinese-Simplified, Chinese-Traditional, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese

Hate Crime Information Brochure - CA DOJ

EnglishSpanishArabicArmenian (Eastern)Cambodian
Chinese (Cantonese)Chinese (Simplified)Chinese (Traditional)FarsiFrench
GermanHindiHmongItalianJapanese
KoreanLaoPortuguesePunjabiRussian
TagalogTeluguThaiUkrainianVietnamese