New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation on Monday establishing a hate crimes recognition training program for local law enforcement, following a rash of hate crimes targeting Jews.
The measure directs the Municipal Police Training Council to work with the Hate Crimes Task Force and others to create and distribute policies and procedures which will ensure that local law enforcement are properly trained in recognizing and responding to hate crimes.
“Hatred has no place in New York State and we will continue taking aggressive measures to stamp out hate whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head,” Governor Cuomo said. “This measure will provide our law enforcement with the tools they need to identify and respond to hate crimes – moving us one step closer to a stronger, fairer and more inclusive Empire State for all.”
Recent attacks against Jewish people in New York have highlighted a need for better training in recognizing and responding to hate crimes for local law enforcement, and the new program is intended to help improve the police response to these incidents.
“Anti-Semitism, hate and intolerance have no place in our state and nation,” Sen. Todd Kaminsky said. “I was proud to see Governor Cuomo sign this legislation I sponsored into law—it will ensure law enforcement officers are adept at identifying, responding and investigating these dastardly acts. I will continue to do all I can to protect our communities from anti-Semitism.”