Bellevue staff and police discuss hate crimes and bias incidents with community organizations

The City of Bellevue is intensifying its fight against hate crimes and bias incidents by engaging with local community organizations. A recent panel discussion, led by Dr. Marcus Johnson, brought together city staff and representatives from over 40 nonprofits to identify community needs and strategies for prevention. Dr. Linda Whitehead, the chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, stressed the importance of sharing information to foster a unified community response. Police Chief Wendell Shirley underscored the significance of trust and collaboration among community partners in holding offenders accountable. The panel clarified definitions of hate crimes and bias incidents, emphasizing the need for reporting such events to local authorities. Hate crimes are defined as acts motivated by bias against a victim’s identity, while bias incidents, though not criminal, still reflect prejudice. The city provides resources, including an online reporting form, to facilitate reporting. This initiative aligns with Bellevue's commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for its diverse communities.