Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Responds to Increase in Hate Related Criminal Activity and Rhetoric

OAKLAND, CA – District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley would like make all people living in Alameda County aware of new resources created in response to the recent increase in hate related criminal activity and hate rhetoric reported in communities around the county.

There is no place in Alameda County for hate motivated conduct or hate driven words based on race, gender, region, nationality, sexual orientation or gender identity.  Everyone, irrespective of status, has the right to be safe and protected. The Alameda County DA’s Office asks that any person who is victimized report the conduct. Witnesses to such actions are also asked to make a report.

“The DA’s Office will treat every individual in this county with the care, respect and dignity that each of us deserves and expects,” says DA O’Malley.  “The current aggressive nature of hate speech and conduct has heightened the moral imperative to stand up for what is right. My office will be a leader in the fight against hate-based crimes and hateful rhetoric that targets any person or group of people.”

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office assists victims of all crime, without regard to a person’s immigration status.  Victims who need to report a crime of any type, attend court, seek legal assistance, and/or help from the Family Justice Center will be served.

• On Tuesday, November 22, 2016, the Alameda County DA’s Office activated a hotline number available for the reporting of hate-related crimes: 510-208-4824

(With outgoing messages in English, Spanish, Farsi, Mandarin, Cantonese and Tagalog)

• The Family Justice Center in Oakland serves victims of domestic violence and their children, and victims of sexual assault, human trafficking and elder abuse. All programs, assistance and help offered at the Family Justice Center are open and available to all.
• Victims of Human Trafficking—both sex trafficking and labor trafficking- are safe in reporting to the H.E.A.T. (Human Exploitation and Trafficking) Hotline: 510-208-4959

DA O’Malley would also like to make the community aware of reported fraudulent activity directed at members of immigrant communities. We urge community members to be vigilant and aware of fraudulent provider schemes such as offers to “fix” immigration legal issues, offers to “secure” immigration status, offers to “push through” DACA applications and/or offers to “represent” in court. Some community members have reported receiving official looking but fraudulent letters threatening deportation. If you suspect fraud, contact the Alameda County DA’s Consumer Protection line at: 510-383-8600.

Hate Crime Hotline: 510-510-208-4824

Human Trafficking Hotline: 510-208-4959

Consumer Protection Number: 510-383-8600