The proposed projects goal is to address the longstanding gaps in knowledge related to law enforcement specialized bias crime investigative units through a comprehensive multisite evaluation

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) awarded a $908,415 Project Grant under the NIJ Research, Evaluation, and Development Project Grants program (CFDA 16.560) to the Research Triangle Institute (RTI International) with a performance period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. The goal of this project is to conduct a comprehensive multi-site evaluation to address gaps in knowledge related to law enforcement specialized bias crime investigative units. The key products and services to be delivered include:

1. Fielding a survey to develop a taxonomy and classify different models of specialized bias crime units based on their structures, practices, and intended outcomes.
2. Conducting in-depth case studies of 5 bias crime units to generate a detailed understanding of their identification and investigation practices.
3. Analyzing hate crime data to assess the effectiveness of bias crime units in identifying and clearing bias-motivated crimes.

The expected outcomes include establishing an evidence base and associated guidance to help law enforcement agencies implement or adapt specialized responses to hate crimes. The project will involve partnerships with several law enforcement agencies and a victim advocacy organization to ensure alignment with the needs and perspectives of the law enforcement community and those impacted by hate crimes.

The primary purpose is to understand the structures, practices, and intended outcomes of specialized bias crime investigative units; identify different unit models; and assess their impact on hate crime identification and case clearance. The project activities include (1)fielding a survey of existing specialized bias crime units to develop a taxonomy and classify unit models according to their structures, practices, and intended outcomes; (2) conducting in-depth case studies of five bias crime units to generate a fine-grained understanding of identification and investigation practices employed by these units; and (3) analyzing hate crime data to assess the effectiveness of bias crime units in identifying and clearing bias-motivated crimes. The expected outcomes include the establishment of an evidence base and associated guidance for agencies to implement or adapt specialized responses to hate crimes. The service area encompasses county and municipal jurisdictions across the united states, with a focus on areas where there is a need for specialized bias crime response. The intended beneficiaries of the project include law enforcement agencies interested in implementing bias crime units or those currently operating them, as well as communities impacted by hate crimes. Additionally, subrecipient activities involve partnering with law enforcement agencies including the seattle police department, portland police bureau, raleigh police department, cambridge police department, denver police department, D.C. Metro police department, and randolph police department, along with subject matter experts in the field and a victim advocacy organization focused on bias-motivated crimes. These entities will contribute to the project's steering committee and participate in data collection and analysis activities to ensure alignment with the needs and perspectives of the law enforcement community and those most affected by hate crimes. CA/NCF