Report Hate Crime in Surrey - Police & Bylaw
Surrey, British Columbia residents who experience or witness hate-motivated incidents should report them promptly to law enforcement and to city bylaw or community services where appropriate. This guide explains what constitutes a hate crime versus other hate-motivated incidents, how Surrey Police and the City handle reports, the available forms and contact points, and practical steps victims and witnesses can take to preserve evidence and seek support.
What counts as a hate crime
A hate crime is an offence where the perpetrator is motivated by bias, prejudice or hate against a protected characteristic such as race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other listed grounds. Many hate incidents are criminal and are investigated by police; some are non-criminal but can still be addressed by city programs, bylaw enforcement, or provincial human rights processes.
Report threats, assaults, or property vandalism to police immediately.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement responsibility depends on the nature of the incident. Criminal offences are investigated and prosecuted by the police and Crown; municipal bylaw issues may be handled by City of Surrey bylaw staff. Details on enforcement pathways and reporting are available from Surrey Police and the City of Surrey.[1][2]
- Enforcer: Surrey Police Service for criminal matters; City of Surrey Bylaw Enforcement or community services for municipal issues.[1][2]
- Fines/penalties: municipal bylaw fines or administrative penalties are set by specific bylaws; amounts are not specified on the cited City page.[2]
- Criminal penalties: hate-motivated criminal offences are prosecuted under the Criminal Code of Canada; specific sentences depend on the charged offence and are set in federal law and not specified on the cited Justice Canada summary page.[3]
- Escalation: first reports lead to investigation; repeat or serious offences may result in criminal charges, court proceedings or elevated municipal enforcement—specific escalation timeframes are not specified on the cited pages.
- Non-monetary sanctions: may include police cautions, criminal charges, restraining orders, or city orders to stop prohibited activities; seizure or suspension is possible if authorized by law.
- Reporting pathway: call 9-1-1 for emergencies; for non-emergencies, use Surrey Police non-emergency reporting options and City of Surrey complaint forms or bylaw contact pages.[1][2]
- Appeals and reviews: appeals of municipal orders or tickets follow the procedures in the relevant bylaw or municipal ticketing process; time limits and steps depend on the specific instrument and are not specified on the cited City page.
- Defences and discretion: authorities may consider reasonable excuse, intent, or lawful justification; permits or variances do not typically apply to criminal hate offences.
If you or someone is in immediate danger call 9-1-1 right away.
Applications & Forms
- Surrey Police online reporting and non-emergency contacts for incidents and hate-motivated complaints; see the Surrey Police reporting page for available online forms and submission methods.[1]
- City of Surrey bylaw complaint options and bylaw information are posted on the City website; the cited page lists bylaw categories but does not publish a single consolidated hate-incident form.[2]
- Federal information on hate crimes and victim supports is available from Justice Canada; specific application forms for criminal proceedings are handled by police and Crown counsel.[3]
Action steps
- If someone is at risk or violence is occurring, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Preserve evidence: take photos, save messages, record dates/times, and collect witness names.
- Report to Surrey Police using their non-emergency reporting tools for incidents that are not emergencies.[1]
- If the incident involves a municipal-place or bylaw element (sign damage, graffiti, prohibited posting), also report to City of Surrey bylaw services.[2]
Keep a written log of every contact with police and city staff about the incident.
FAQ
- Do I have to report a hate incident to the police?
- You are encouraged to report criminal incidents to Surrey Police; non-criminal hate incidents may be reported to city community services or documented for support and prevention.
- Will reporting lead to fines or charges?
- Reporting starts an investigation; fines or charges depend on the legal classification of the act and prosecutorial decisions. Municipal fines are set by specific bylaws; criminal penalties are set under federal law and depend on the charge.
- Can I stay anonymous when reporting?
- Anonymous tips may be accepted in some reporting channels, but full investigations often require contact details for follow-up; check reporting forms for anonymity options.
How-To
- Ensure safety: if there is immediate danger call 9-1-1.
- Document: photograph damage, save messages, and write down witnesses and times.
- Report: file with Surrey Police using their online or non-emergency reporting tools for hate crimes and incidents.[1]
- Report municipal aspects: submit a bylaw complaint to the City of Surrey for graffiti, sign damage, or other bylaw matters.[2]
- Seek supports and legal advice: consult victim support services and consider contacting Crown counsel if criminal charges are pursued; federal resources provide general guidance.[3]
Key Takeaways
- Call 9-1-1 for emergencies and immediate threats.
- Preserve evidence and record witness information.
- Report criminal matters to Surrey Police and municipal issues to City of Surrey bylaw services.
Help and Support / Resources
- Surrey Police Service - official site
- City of Surrey - Bylaws and reporting
- Government of Canada - hate-motivated crimes information