FBI’s San Francisco Division to collaborate with locals to fight hate crime | Bay Space

Officials with the FBI’s San Francisco Division on Thursday announced a new strategy to combat hate crimes – amid an increase in hate crimes reported against Asian Americans and Pacific islanders.

As part of the new strategy, the FBI will train more special agents to investigate hate crimes and civil rights, as well as contact community groups, religious organizations and minority groups to build trust and encourage the public to report hate crimes.

To further raise awareness and promote the reporting of hate crimes, the FBI launched a public awareness campaign on social media and through ads on Muni trains in San Francisco.

The strategy also aims to work with local and state law enforcement partners across Northern California to provide assistance and training on federal hate crime laws. In addition, law enforcement partners are encouraged to refer possible federal hate crime cases to the FBI, which in some cases could aid the investigation as the federal investigation could run in parallel with and in coordination with local law enforcement investigations.

By working with local law enforcement agencies, the FBI will provide resources such as forensic expertise and experience in identifying and demonstrating hate-based motivation even when no charges are brought against the federal agencies.

Residents who believe they may have been a victim of a hate crime are encouraged to contact the FBI’s San Francisco Division at (415) 553-7400 or https://tips.fbi.gov.