Tempe Hate Crime Reporting & Penalties Guide

Civil Rights and Equity Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

In Tempe, Arizona, reporting suspected hate crimes helps police and prosecutors protect targeted communities and enforce enhanced penalties when bias is a motivating factor. This guide explains how to report incidents to the Tempe Police Department, what enforcement roles apply, where penalties are set, and the practical steps victims or witnesses should follow to preserve evidence and trigger criminal review. If a municipal code or local administrative penalty applies, the Tempe Police and City Prosecutor coordinate with state authorities to determine charges and enhanced sentencing where permitted. The guidance below references official Tempe resources and the municipal code for reporting and compliance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Hate-motivated incidents are investigated by the Tempe Police Department and referred to prosecutors for charging decisions. The City of Tempe relies on state criminal statutes for defining enhanced penalties; specific fine amounts or sentencing ranges are not listed on the cited municipal pages below. Enforcement and prosecution may involve municipal officers, city prosecutors, and county or state attorneys depending on the charge.

  • Enforcer: Tempe Police Department, Criminal Investigations and Victim Services; complaints and reports received through the Police Department pages. Tempe Police - Hate Crimes[1]
  • Powers: Investigation, evidence collection, referral to Maricopa County or Arizona prosecutors for charging and sentencing decisions.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited municipal pages; refer to applicable state criminal statutes for monetary penalties where an offense has been charged.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: criminal convictions can lead to imprisonment, probation, restitution orders, and court-imposed conditions; municipal administrative orders are not specified on the cited page.
  • Appeals and review: appellate rights follow the charging jurisdiction (city, county, or state); time limits for appeals are set by court rules and are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
  • Defences/discretion: prosecutorial discretion applies; statutory defenses and mitigating factors follow state law and are not detailed on the municipal pages.
Report promptly and preserve evidence such as photos, messages, and witness names.

Common violations and typical steps

  • Assault with a bias motive — criminal investigation and referral to prosecutors.
  • Vandalism or property damage motivated by bias — police report and evidence collection.
  • Harassment, threats, or intimidation — complaint to police, possible criminal charges.

Applications & Forms

No municipal application form is required to report a hate crime; incidents are reported directly to the Tempe Police Department for investigation. The city does not publish a dedicated complaint form on the cited pages for hate crimes and refers complainants to police reporting procedures. Tempe Code of Ordinances[2]

If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Action Steps

  • Call 911 for immediate threats or the Tempe Police non-emergency number to report past incidents.
  • Document and save evidence: photos, texts, emails, and witness contacts.
  • Request a copy of the police report and ask about victim services and protective orders where appropriate.
  • If charged, consult the contact listed on the charging agency for appeal deadlines and court procedures.
Victim advocates can help with evidence preservation and navigating reporting channels.

FAQ

How do I report a hate crime in Tempe?
Call 911 for emergencies or contact the Tempe Police Department to file a report in person or by their non-emergency contact methods; the Police Department page outlines reporting guidance. [1]
Will reporting trigger criminal charges automatically?
No. Reporting initiates an investigation; charging decisions are made by prosecutors based on evidence and applicable statutes.
Are there special forms for hate crime reports?
No specific municipal form is published for hate crimes on the cited pages; reports are handled through standard police reporting procedures. [2]

How-To

  1. Ensure safety: remove yourself from immediate danger and call 911 if necessary.
  2. Preserve evidence: take photos, save messages, and note witness names and contact information.
  3. Contact Tempe Police to make a report and request a copy of the incident report for your records. [1]
  4. Ask about victim services, protective orders, and steps to follow if criminal charges are filed.

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly to Tempe Police to start an investigation.
  • Penalties for hate-motivated crimes are governed by criminal statutes; the municipal pages do not list specific fines.
  • Prosecution and appeals follow the charging jurisdiction and applicable court rules.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Tempe Police - Hate Crimes reporting and guidance
  2. [2] City of Tempe Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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