CPS LAUNCHES ‘STOP THE HATE’ CAMPAIGN

Cornwall, ON – The Cornwall Police Service believes hate has no place in our community. Thus, the CPS is proud to launch its ‘Stop the Hate’ campaign in the City of Cornwall.

“This ground-breaking campaign is aimed at cultivating a community of respect, empathy and acceptance for all,” said Chief of Police Shawna Spowart. “Crime and incidents motivated by hate continue to be under reported across Canada and in our community, and you can help change that.”

A hate/bias crime is a criminal offence committed against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by hate, bias or prejudice against an identifiable group. An identifiable group may be distinguished by race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

Almost any type of criminal offence can be motivated by hate. Examples of hate crime offences may include acts of violence or hostility such as an assault or causing damage to property. The key is that these acts intentionally target individuals or property based on the offender’s hate toward the identifiable group.

A hate/bias incident is a non-criminal action or behaviour that is motivated by hate against an identifiable group. Examples include, “Go back to your country”, racial slurs or other derogatory remarks about being part of an identifiable group, etc.

It is important to report hate crime and incidents, because they affect our community.

A timely and effective police response can improve the relationship between police and the community we serve. Positive relationships such as these can have extensive benefits in other aspects of public safety.

To report a hate crime or incident to the CPS that is not an emergency, residents can now REPORT ONLINE or call 613-932-2110. To report crimes anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

In Cornwall, 36 reports were filed in 2023, and the majority stemmed from incidents of hate toward the victim’s race/ethnicity/nationality (53%), followed by their sexual orientation (19%) or religion (19%).

Notably, between 2020 and 2023, 20% of all police-reported hate crime incidents in Cornwall occurred at schools. In the first quarter of 2024, 56% of all reported crimes incidents were based in schools and involved youth.

CPS MISSION

In partnership with diverse communities, we are committed to the pursuit of excellence and keeping our city safe.

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Media Contact:
Rodney Wilson
Cornwall Police Service
Phone: 613-933-5000 x 2721
Wilson.r@cornwallpolice.com