16 hour First Responder

Day One

8:00-8:30 Introduction and Program Objectives

8:30 - 10:00 Recognition and Terminology

Dealing with the pressures of hate/bias crime through awareness. The dynamic pain and suffering stemming from hate/bias crimes on the victim.

10:15 - 11:30 History

Hate/bias in America, past and present - illustrated through video and participant handout on legislative policies regarding hate crimes.

11:30 - 12:45 Lunch

12:45 - 2:00 Laws and Aspects of Criminal Justice

Discuss state and federal Laws on Hate/Bias Crimes and their effects on the Criminal Justice System.

2:15 - 4:15 Organized Groups

Organized hate groups in America today. Belief systems, organizations, KKK, Skinheads and the Militia today (Domestic Terrorism).

4:15 - 5:00 Media

Media effect on the Department and Community

Day Two

8:00 - 10:00 Initial Response

Responding officer's responsibilities to the department, criminal justice system, victim, and community. When does the supervisor become a part of the investigation.

10:15 - 11:30 Investigative Strategies

The investigator's responsibilities to the department, criminal justice system, victim, and community. Discussion of investigative strategies and evidence gathering. The difficulties in interviewing victims and suspects. Keeping personal bias and beliefs out of the investigation. Search Warrants and Case Studies. Media and its effect on the Department and community.

11:30 - 12:45 Lunch

12:45 - 1:30 Investigative Strategies Continued

1:45 - 3:45 Community Involvement

The benefits of effectively handling hate/bias crimes or incidents through cooperative training programs. Handouts on "Ten Ways to Fight Hate: The Community Response" (Southern Poverty Law Center) and "Hate Crimes in Summit Recommendations" (International Association of Chiefs of Police)

3:45 - 5:00 Victim-ology

The dynamic pain and suffering stemming from hate/bias crimes on the victim, family, and community.