Building Safer Communities Together: Insights from the VPD Hate Crime Forum

"If we don't deal with a hate crime today, it's gonna result in an assault tomorrow." - Howard Chow, VPD Deputy Chief 

In 2021, Canada was named the hate capital of North America in asian hate, amid the COVID pandemic. And according to the Vancouver Police Department, there has been a sharp increase in the number of police-reported hate crimes in recent years. In 2019, the total number of police-reported hate crimes was 1,951, and in 2022, the number rose to 3,576 - that is a staggering increase of 83% in the number of police-reported hate crimes.

On June 11th, the VPD held a forum focused on educating the public and members of communities on hate crime and why they are a rising issue in Canada. With speakers from VPD officers, the Cybercrime unit, and the BC Hate Crime, attendees were able to learn and listen to the crucial elements of the rising issue of hate crime. 

In this article, we will discuss the event and how security companies can learn to help the community and reduce hate crimes. 

BC Hate Crime Unit

The BC Hate Crime Unit is a provincial RCMP-powered resource that provides operational support and guidance to local police forces throughout British Columbia on hate-motivated crimes and incidents. Its analysts painstakingly review between 100 to 200 police reports daily, scanning for any language — written or spoken — that suggests hatred or prejudice toward protected groups.

During the event, Constable Sarah Carey and Art Wlodyka gave a thorough presentation that shed light on how the BC Hate Crimes Unit proactively identifies, reviews, and supports investigations involving hate-motivated incidents across the province. Their talk emphasized the distinction between hate crimes and hate incidents, the legal thresholds required for criminal charges, and the importance of recognizing patterns of bias, whether in language, symbolism, or actions.

What are hate crimes and incidents?

According to the Vancouver Police Department, a hate crime is a criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by hate, bias, or prejudice, against an identifiable person or group based on one or more of the following characteristics or any other similar factors:

• Race or Colour

• National or ethnic origin

• Language

• Religion

• Sex or Gender identity and expression

• Age

• Mental or physical disability

• Sexual orientation

Hate incidents are similar to hate crime in that it is also motivated by hate, bias, or prejudice against an identifiable person or group based on the above-mentioned characteristics, but it do not meet the threshold of a criminal offence.

Examples of hate incidents are name-calling, racial slurs, derogatory terms, and the distribution of materials promoting prejudice.

The role of AI in hate crimes 

The existence of AI technology creates more room for individuals to commit hate crimes and express hateful language. Detective Rob Marriott from the VPD cybercrime unit explained how Artificial Intelligence is now used to spread hate faster (through bots, fake profiles, AI-generated content). Marriott emphasized that there is a growing overlap between hate crimes and cybercrimes with the rise of AI. Examples of these overlaps include:

1. Online hate speech

2. Doxing

3. Online threats

4. AI-generated deepfakes

5. AI used to harass or incite violence 

Marriott warned that the rapid progress in AI advancement can mean it will be increasingly difficult for online users to differentiate legitimate and artificial content. So, what can you do? 

1. Pause before you react

1. Check multiple sources, but even major news outlets can amplify false information

2. Reprogram your feed

1. Follow positive accounts

2. Mute or block toxic users

3. Use “Hide” or “Not Interested options over time, and your feed becomes calmer, safer, and more aligned with your values

The more mindful and selective you are with your online habits, the better equipped you’ll be to recognize manipulation and resist harmful narratives fueled by AI.

Hate crimes and incidents in the Security industry.

1. Importance of Recognizing Hate-Motivated Incidents

Security professionals are often exposed to many difficult incidents, and some may escalate and lead to hate-motivated comments and slurs. As discussed during the forum, documenting and reporting such incidents—no matter how minor they may seem—can contribute to identifying patterns and supporting broader investigations led by units like the BC Hate Crime Unit. 

For security teams working in diverse communities, understanding the social impact of hate incidents and responding with professionalism and empathy is not just best practice—it’s a responsibility we carry in helping to foster safe, inclusive environments for everyone.

2. The Power of Cultural Sensitivity and De-escalation

We understand that modern security goes beyond physical presence—it requires emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and the ability to manage complex interpersonal situations.

Blackbird Security equips our security guards with comprehensive training that equips them with the tools and skills necessary to face the modern challenges of the security world and safely handle any scenario through our industry-leading security training program, the Blackbird Academy. 

One of the core modules of Blackbird Academy focuses on peaceful de-escalation techniques. In this training, our team members learn how to regulate their own emotional responses during high-stress situations and how to recognize and respond effectively to signs of anger, distress, or potential conflict in others. This approach prioritizes empathy, communication, and professionalism-ensuring a safe resolution to any kind of incident that may arise.

3. Collaboration Between Law Enforcement and Private Security

It is important, as safety ambassadors of our community, that we take action and assist law enforcement in reporting any kind of hate-motivated incident. In the unfortunate situation where a hate crime or incident occurs, security guards can support victims with incident reporting and documentation protocols. 

Blackbird Security guards are trained to produce detailed, accurate and comprehensive incident reports, documenting all relevant facts to establish intent, and support law enforcement in investigations or legal proceedings.

In Conclusion

We extend our sincere thanks to the team at VPD for hosting such a meaningful and well-organized forum. Events like this not only provide valuable education and insight but also create space for open dialogue between law enforcement, community organizations, and frontline security professionals.

We’re also grateful to all the speakers who shared their expertise and perspectives, offering valuable insights into both the current landscape of hate crime prevention and the evolving role of frontline responders. Their diverse experiences highlighted the importance of collaboration, cultural awareness, and continued education in creating safer, more inclusive communities for all.

As hate crimes and incidents continue to rise, we encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences a hate-motivated incident to take courage and report it. Every report plays a vital role in helping authorities respond effectively and prevent future harm.

To report a hate crime or incident in Vancouver, visit: VPD.ca > Report > Hate Crime

Partner with us today

As hate crimes and incidents continue to rise, the need for professional security services has never been more urgent. At Blackbird Security, we are committed to providing more than just security guard services - we are actively working to protect and create safe and secure spaces for all individuals, and that includes offering a frontline defense against discrimination and violence.

It’s time for organizations, institutions, and community leaders to take meaningful action and invest in professional security services to combat hate crimes and incidents. Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive society for everyone.