Frequently Asked Questions

According to the California Attorney General's Office Victims' Services Unit, you can be a victim of a hate crime if you have been targeted because of your:

• Race or ethnicity
• Nationality
• Religion
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Physical or mental disability
• Your association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics

If you are a victim of a hate crime or you have witnessed a hate crime, please report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Regardless of whether the call comes during the incident or after, please call 911 and be prepared to relay the following information:

• Your injuries: Medical assistance will be called to assist if needed.
• The specifics of the crime: What happened? Who, what, where, when.
• What was said? Tell the dispatcher and the responding officer if the suspects used words that indicate a hate crime.
• Were any weapons involved? Please describe the gun, knife, etc. in as much detail as possible.
• Description of the suspects: Age, race, ethnicity, height, weight and clothing. Any unusual or defining characteristics: Scars, marks, tattoos, piercings, speech pattern, etc.
• Suspect vehicle description: Color, make, model, vehicle license plate number.
• Direction of travel: Which way did they leave the scene?

Even if you believe them to be insignificant, your information is vital to increasing public safety for all who live in your community. Calling 911 immediately helps us to:

• Prevent further harm or violence
• Collect evidence before it is destroyed
• Interview witnesses who can assist with convictions
• Apprehend suspects so they do not victimize others
• Warn the community of hate crime activity in the area through social media and alerts
• Increase patrols in the area.

The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety's LGBTQIA+ Liaison serves as the direct contact point for internal RPDPS staff members and out in the community. Increasing safety for all, the liaison can be reached at the numbers provided. The RPDPS LGBTQIA+ Liaison duties include:

• Working closely with the LGBTQIA+ community on a variety of community-related events and issues
• Attending meetings and maintaining relationships with LGBTQIA+ community organizations
• Coordinating multi-governmental agency responses to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community
• Facilitating RPDPS participation in LGBTQIA+ related events throughout the region
• Acting as a Liaison between staff and Human Resources to assist with LGBTQIA+ related Issues/concerns
• Working with Training Coordinators to ensure LGBTQIA+ professional development
• Assisting with LGBTQIA+ social media messaging and educational outreach for public safety

You can access victim resources here.