Report a Hate Crime

Report a hate crime

• Call 911 immediately if the crime is ongoing or someone is injured.
• If the crime has passed and there's no suspect, injuries, or immediate danger, call (520) 791-4444.

What is a hate crime?

Hate speech is not a crime, and while the Tucson Police Department condemns bias in any form, we are committed to protecting civil liberties, including freedom of speech—even offensive speech.

If hate speech includes or accompanies a crime (such as threats, assault, or vandalism), then it can result in criminal penalties.

Arizona State Law

For a hate crime to be charged in Arizona, there must be an underlying criminal offense. A.R.S. 13-701(D)(15) provides an option for greater penalties at sentencing if a defendant commits a felony out of malice toward a victim based on their perceived "race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability."

Tucson City Code

Tucson was the first municipality in Arizona to pass its own hate crime laws, addressing misdemeanors.

Sec. 11-30. Prohibition of hate crimes and institutional vandalism; penalties.

Sec. 11-30.1. Same—Minimum penalty; subsequent convictions.