Report Hate Crimes & Bias Incidents - London
In London, Ontario, knowing where to report hate crimes and bias incidents helps victims, witnesses, and community members get protection and start formal investigations. For criminal conduct or immediate danger call 911; for non-emergency incidents contact the London Police Service or use city reporting tools to log graffiti, harassment, or discriminatory conduct. This guide explains who enforces responses, what penalties or remedies may apply, and practical steps to file police reports, human rights applications, or municipal complaints so incidents affecting safety and rights are addressed promptly. It also lists official contacts and forms to help you act quickly and correctly.
Penalties & Enforcement
Hate crimes that meet Criminal Code definitions are investigated by the London Police Service and proceed through the criminal justice system; municipal bylaws or city policies address non-criminal conduct such as graffiti or complaints about city services. Where official documents list monetary fines or sanctions, they are cited below; when amounts or time limits are not present on the official page we state that explicitly and provide the source.
- Enforcers: London Police Service for criminal offences; City of London By-law Enforcement or municipal service areas for local complaints and property issues.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited pages for hate crimes; municipal fines for related bylaw breaches (for example, graffiti or property standards) are not specified on the cited City pages referenced here.
- Criminal escalation: criminal charges under the Criminal Code proceed to provincial court, possible convictions may result in fines, probation, or imprisonment as set by federal law (specific penalties not specified on the cited local pages).
- Non-monetary sanctions: police can refer matters to Crown counsel for charges, and city officials can issue orders, compliance notices, or require removal/cleanup under municipal bylaws; specific order types and processes are detailed by the enforcing office.
- Inspection and complaint pathways: report criminal incidents to London Police Service (see link) London Police reporting[1], and use City of London reporting channels for non-criminal complaints about services or graffiti City of London reporting[2].
- Appeals and reviews: criminal case outcomes are subject to court appeal rules; administrative or human-rights complaints go to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario or to applicable administrative review bodies — see HRTO guidance How to apply to HRTO[3]. Specific filing time limits or monetary schedules are not specified on the cited local pages and should be confirmed on the tribunal or court pages.
Applications & Forms
The following official forms or online procedures are relevant:
- Police reports: London Police Service describes how to report crimes and non-emergencies; use the online reporting guidance or contact non-emergency numbers as indicated on the police site.[1]
- City requests: the City of London provides online reporting for graffiti, property standards, or other municipal complaints via its report pages; check each service page for required details and attachments.[2]
- Human-rights claims: to pursue remedies for discrimination, follow HRTO application instructions and forms; fees and deadlines are described by the tribunal.[3]
How to Report a Hate Crime or Bias Incident
Follow these practical steps to ensure the incident is recorded and routed to the correct authority.
- Ensure immediate safety: if anyone is in danger call 911; preserve physical evidence (photos, messages) where safe to do so.
- Contact London Police Service for criminal incidents; use the police online reporting guidance or non-emergency number for non-urgent reports.[1]
- For municipal issues (graffiti, property damage, service complaints) file a City of London request through the online reporting tools linked above.[2]
- If you believe the incident involves discrimination contrary to the Human Rights Code, consult HRTO application guidance and consider filing an application with supporting documents.[3]
- Follow up: get a file number or occurrence number from police or municipal staff, and ask about next steps, expected timelines, and appeal channels.
FAQ
- Who should I call first if I witness a hate-motivated assault?
- Call 911 immediately for threats or violence; for non-emergency incidents contact London Police Service via their non-emergency reporting guidance.[1]
- Can I file a human-rights complaint instead of a police report?
- Yes. Police handle criminal offences; human-rights applications to the HRTO address discrimination and remedies under provincial human-rights law — you can file both if appropriate.[3]
How-To
- Document the incident: record date, time, location, witnesses, and save photos or messages.
- Report to London Police Service for criminal conduct and obtain an occurrence number.
- File municipal reports for property-related issues with the City of London if applicable.
- Consider submitting a human-rights application to HRTO for discrimination remedies and legal guidance.
Key Takeaways
- Call 911 for emergencies; otherwise use London Police non-emergency reporting for criminal incidents.
- Use City of London reporting tools for municipal issues like graffiti or property concerns.
- For discrimination remedies consider HRTO applications in addition to police or municipal reports.
Help and Support / Resources
- London Police Service - official site
- City of London - official site
- Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario - official site