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SLCPD Chief Mike Brown, FBI, USAO Discuss Hate Crimes with Utah’s Jewish Community

SALT LAKE CITY — As part of continued dialogue with Utah’s Jewish community, Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) to discuss prevention of hate crimes and law enforcement’s response.

The event, hosted at the IJ & Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, included presentations by Shohini Sinha, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office; Trina A. Higgins, the United States Attorney for the District of Utah; and representatives from the Secure Community Network.

Special Agent in Charge Sinha discussed the FBI’s commitment to vigorously defend the civil rights of everyone who lives in our community. She added that no one should live in fear because of who they are or who they worship.

U.S. Attorney Higgins discussed the partnership between the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and local law enforcement of aggressively investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. She added the DOJ has community-based resources to help people build stronger neighborhoods.

Sinha, Higgins, and Chief Brown all reiterated to the group that violence, intimidation, or other crimes against community members because of bias and hate is a criminal offense and that there is a unified response from law enforcement to protecting community members.

All three speakers stressed the importance of timely reporting so cases can be investigated and resources to survivors can be provided.

“We will use every resource we have available to us to investigate hate crimes,” said Chief Brown. “And while accountability for those who commit these heinous acts is important, we know that community healing is equally critical. Hate crimes can take away the sense of community that we cherish so dearly here in Utah and Salt Lake City. I am proud to stand with our federal partners to reject hate.”

The Salt Lake City Police Department has trained all sworn employees on how to identify, process, and investigate potential hate crimes. The SLCPD works with the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office on cases that are motivated by bias and hate to bring perpetrators to justice.

The Salt Lake City Police Department works to ensure survivors feel comfortable coming forward to share their experiences. Officers and detectives are trained on having a survivor-centered, trauma-informed response.

Additionally, the Department’s victim advocates are available to provide resources and services to survivors of hate crimes or bias incidents. SLCPD victim advocates have helped with safety planning and restoring a person’s sense of safety.

To file a police report, call 9-1-1 in an emergency or 801-799-3000 for non-emergencies. To speak with a victim advocate, community members can call their 24-hour hotline at 801-580-7969. All services are free, and callers can get information anonymously.

Community members can report suspicious activities and crime by contacting the FBI 24/7 by phone at (801) 579-1400 or at www.tips.fbi.gov.

For more information about United Against Hate, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative to combat unlawful acts of hate, please click here.

Three photos from the event are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Photo: Chief Mike Brown speaking at a town hall about hate crimes in Utah (December 6, 2023, Salt Lake City Police photo.)

Photo: Shohini Sinha, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, speaking at a town hall about hate crimes in Utah (December 6, 2023, Salt Lake City Police photo.)

Photo:  Trina A. Higgins, the United States Attorney for the District of Utah speaking at a town hall about hate crimes in Utah (December 6, 2023, Salt Lake City Police photo.)

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