Peel Regional Police have announced the formation of a dedicated Hate Crime Unit to more effectively investigate hate-motivated crimes and incidents, and to better support victims across Mississauga and Brampton.
The new unit will provide a centralized and specialized response to hate-related incidents, allowing for stronger investigations, enhanced victim support, and closer collaboration with community organizations. Police say this initiative represents a “streamlined and culturally responsive approach to community safety.”
The Hate Crime Unit will lead investigations into hate-motivated incidents across the region, including those involving religious institutions, cultural centres, and socio-political tensions. The specialized team will also provide guidance and support to frontline officers, helping to build stronger trust with the communities most affected by hate crimes.
Deputy Chief Mark Dapat emphasized the importance of community cooperation and accountability, urging victims of hate-motivated incidents to come forward and report their experiences.
“This new hate crime team will relentlessly pursue and hold those who commit hate crimes accountable,” said Dapat. “Acts of hate have no place in our community.”
Earlier this year, Peel police reported a significant increase in hate crime charges being laid in 2024 compared to previous years. Although the number of hate-motivated incidents remained relatively stable—166 reported cases in 2024 compared to 162 in 2023—the number of charges more than doubled. Police laid 74 charges in 2024, compared to 35 in 2023 and 37 in 2022.
Deputy Chief Dapat, who authored the 2024 Hate-Motivated Crime Report, attributed this rise in charges to several factors, including a shift in the types and severity of hate crimes, increased expertise among investigators, and stronger collaboration with community partners. He also highlighted improved trust between community members and police, which has led to more victims coming forward and cooperating with investigations.
Hate-motivated crimes are defined by Peel Regional Police as offences committed against a person or property motivated wholly or partly by hate, bias, or prejudice related to characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or similar factors.
The Hate Crime Unit has already taken over investigations into incidents such as recent hate-related graffiti found near a public park in Mississauga, demonstrating its active role in responding to community concerns.
Peel Regional Police encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime to report it. Non-emergency reports can be made by calling 905-453-3311, while emergencies should be reported by dialing 911.
Upon receiving a hate crime report, a uniform patrol officer will provide the initial response before the Hate Crime Unit assumes responsibility for the investigation. Police say the unit will continue to work closely with community partners to ensure that incidents are thoroughly investigated and victims are supported.