Peterborough Police Receive $167,000 From Provincial Government to Fight Against Hate Crimes

A portion of money confiscated by the police from crimes is being reinvested in the Peterborough Police Service with $167,000 from the Ontario government to differentiate a hate bias incident and a hate crime, announced at the Peterborough Police Station on Friday afternoon.

MPP Dave Smith (left) and Chief Stuart Betts (right) making the joint announcement at the Peterborough Police Station. Ontario is investing more than $1.7 million to help stop hate-motivated crimes across the province. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made by Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP so the police can develop a deeper understanding of hate crimes and hate bias to create informed and efficient responses and strategies.

“There is no better way to use the proceeds from crimes then using that money on prevention,” said Smith. “We are seeing a rise in hate-related incidents and it is unacceptable in our community. Everyone deserves the safety and assurances that they will not be targeted because of their beliefs, race, or sexual orientation.”

This project will include a Campaign designed to educate the Community about the distinction between hate bias and hate crime, streamline reporting protocols and the role of law enforcement and the collective accountability inherent in countering these issues. A comprehensive hate incident database will also be established.

Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $16 million in crime prevention initiatives across the province through the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant program.

“Not only will a comprehensive hate incident database be developed but there will be ongoing training for all members of the Service and a public education campaign to inform members of our community about when and how to report to police as well as the difference between a hate bias incident and a hate crime,” said Chief Stuart Betts. “It’s important for us to know when these types of incidents happen and that all residents continue to feel safe in reporting them. Community safety is always our top priority, and we want to do everything we can to ensure a safe inclusive community for all.”

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