Report a Hate Crime - Toronto Police Procedure

Civil Rights and Equity Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Ontario · By Daniel Roy

In Toronto, Ontario, reporting a hate crime starts with contacting the police so allegations of bias-motivated offences are investigated promptly. If the incident is in progress or someone is in danger call 911. For non-emergency incidents or to give detailed information after the fact, Toronto Police Service provides dedicated hate/bias-crime guidance and an online reporting option for certain incidents [1][2].

If you are unsafe, call 911 immediately.

What is a hate crime

A hate crime is any criminal offence motivated in whole or in part by bias, prejudice or hate toward an identifiable group. Hate-motivated acts can include assault, mischief, threats, harassment, or property damage when motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other protected characteristics.

When and how to report

  • Call 911 if the incident is happening now or there is an immediate threat.
  • For non-emergencies contact Toronto Police Service non-emergency lines or your local division to file a report.
  • Use the Toronto Police Service online reporting tool for eligible hate/bias incidents when available. [2]
  • Preserve evidence: photos, video, witness names and any messages or graffiti.

Penalties & Enforcement

Criminal hate-motivated offences are investigated and enforced by the Toronto Police Service and, where charges are laid, prosecuted by Ontario Crown attorneys. Specific fines and sentences depend on the Criminal Code offence charged; these monetary amounts or maximum penalties are not specified on the Toronto Police pages cited here and must be confirmed in the Criminal Code or Crown prosecutor documents (not specified on the cited page). The primary enforcer for municipal complaints and bias incidents that are not criminal is Toronto Police Service Hate/Bias Crime Unit; follow their reporting directions for investigation and follow-up [1].

  • Monetary penalties: not specified on the cited Toronto Police pages; see Criminal Code or Crown documents for offence-specific limits.
  • Escalation: investigations may lead to no charge, charge, or enhanced charges for aggravating factors; repetition and continuing offences may affect Crown recommendations (not specified on the cited page).
  • Non-monetary sanctions: court orders, probation, restraining orders, restitution, or community-based sentences may apply depending on charges.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Toronto Police Service Hate/Bias Crime Unit handles investigations; emergency reporting via 911, non-emergency or online reporting for eligible incidents [1][2].
  • Appeals/review: decisions to prosecute, plea outcomes and sentences are part of the criminal court process; judicial appeal routes follow provincial and federal rules — time limits and procedures are set by statute and court rules (not specified on the cited page).
  • Defences/discretion: standard criminal defences and Crown discretion apply; mitigating factors, permits or lawful purpose may be considered by investigators and prosecutors.

Applications & Forms

  • No separate city bylaw form is required to report a criminal hate incident to police; use police reporting channels. For municipal complaints about discrimination in city services, contact the City of Toronto human rights or equity offices (see Resources).

Action steps after reporting

  • Get and record the police file number and officer contact for follow-up.
  • Preserve evidence and provide copies to investigators.
  • If charged, consult a legal aid clinic or lawyer about defence and appeal options.
Keep a written log of all communications with police and city offices.

FAQ

Do I have to report a hate incident to the police?
No, reporting is voluntary, but reporting helps investigations and potential charges; use 911 for emergencies or non-emergency police contacts for other incidents.
Can the City remove hateful graffiti?
The City of Toronto has graffiti removal programs and property owners may be ordered to remove offensive graffiti; contact city services or 311 for removal options.
Will I be contacted if the police investigate?
Police should provide a file number and investigator contact; ask for victim support services and information about next steps.

How-To

  1. Ensure your immediate safety; call 911 if anyone is at risk.
  2. Collect and save evidence: photos, videos, messages, witness names and locations.
  3. Contact Toronto Police Service by phone or use the online reporting tool for eligible incidents [2].
  4. Get the police file number and contact details; ask about victim services and next steps.
  5. If needed, contact the City of Toronto human rights or equity office for assistance with municipal services complaints.

Key Takeaways

  • Report emergencies by calling 911; non-emergencies can use local division contacts or online reporting.
  • Preserve evidence and obtain the police file number for follow-up.
  • Criminal penalties depend on Criminal Code charges; consult Crown documents or legal counsel for specifics.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Toronto Police Service - Hate/Bias Crime Unit
  2. [2] Toronto Police Service - Online Reporting

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.