Brantford Police Service Launch Awareness Campaign to Help Community Recognize and Report Hate Crimes

July 9, 2026

The Brantford Police Service is launching a new public awareness campaign to help community members better understand what constitutes a hate crime, recognize the difference between a hate crime and a hate incident, and know how to report these incidents.

As part of the campaign, members of the Brantford Police Service Community Safety and Crime Prevention Unit will be attending various locations of the Brantford International Villages throughout the festival to engage with residents, answer questions, and distribute educational brochures designed to increase awareness of hate crimes and hate incidents.

The campaign aims to encourage reporting, provide education, and strengthen relationships with the diverse communities that make Brantford a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work, and visit.

"Hate has no place in our community," said Detective Constable Jet Khagura of the Brantford Police Service. "Whether someone has experienced a hate crime or a hate incident, we want people to know they will be treated with respect, their concerns will be taken seriously, and support is available. Reporting these incidents helps us identify patterns, support victims, and work with our community to prevent future occurrences."

A hate crime is a criminal offence that is motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate toward an identifiable group, while a hate incident involves hateful behaviour that may not meet the threshold of a criminal offence. Although not every hate incident is a crime, every report helps police better understand hate-related activity in the community and informs prevention and education efforts.

Community members are encouraged to report suspected hate crimes or hate incidents, even if they are unsure whether a criminal offence has occurred. Police will assess the information provided and determine the appropriate response. Anyone wishing to report a hate crime or hate incident that is not an emergency can contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Residents attending the Brantford International Villages are encouraged to speak with members of the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Unit to learn more about recognizing hate crimes and hate incidents and pick up a copy of the new educational brochure. All members of the community are encouraged to visit the Brantford Police Service website for additional information about hate crimes, hate incidents, and reporting options: www.brantfordpolice.ca.

Public Safety in Partnership with the Community