Report Hate Crime or Conversion Therapy - Redwood City

Civil Rights and Equity California 3 Minutes Read · published March 08, 2026 Flag of California

Redwood City, California residents who believe they witnessed or experienced a hate crime or an unlawful conversion therapy practice have clear local and state paths to report the incident and seek enforcement. This guide explains which city and county offices handle reports, what to expect from enforcement, practical steps to file complaints, and where to find official forms and contacts.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for hate crimes in Redwood City is led by the Redwood City Police Department for investigations and by the San Mateo County District Attorney for prosecution. Conversion therapy complaints involving licensed professionals are handled by California licensing boards; criminal or civil penalties depend on the specific statute or licensing rules cited by prosecutors or boards. Where the cited page does not list fines or sanctions explicitly, the guide notes that these are "not specified on the cited page." [1][2][3]

  • Enforcer: Redwood City Police Department investigates alleged hate crimes; San Mateo County District Attorney prosecutes criminal offenses. Contact the police non-emergency line or DA intake as listed below.
  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page for local enforcement; state or county penalties depend on charging statutes and are set by state law or court order.
  • Escalation: first, investigation and possible misdemeanor/felony charging; repeat or continuing offences may lead to higher charges or enhanced sentencing per state law — specifics not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease practice, professional license discipline, injunctions, or court-ordered remedies may apply depending on the enforcing agency.
  • Evidence & records: preserve photos, messages, receipts, witness names; provide these to investigators and licensing boards when filing a complaint.
  • Appeals & review: criminal case appeals follow court timelines; administrative license decisions typically include an appeal or review process — time limits vary by agency and are not specified on the cited pages.
Preserve evidence immediately: photos, messages and witness contacts are critical for both police and licensing complaints.

Applications & Forms

Reporting a hate crime to police usually does not require a special application form beyond a police report. Complaints against licensed mental health professionals (conversion therapy) use the California Board of Behavioral Sciences complaint form or the specific licensing board intake form. Fee: none listed on the cited licensing pages for filing a consumer complaint.

How-To

  1. Immediately contact Redwood City Police Department for threats or violence; use emergency 911 or the non-emergency police number. Redwood City Police Department[1]
  2. If you believe a crime occurred, ask the officer or investigator about referral to the San Mateo County District Attorney for hate crime enhancement or prosecution. San Mateo County District Attorney[2]
  3. To report unlawful conversion therapy by a licensed provider, file a complaint with the appropriate California licensing board (for example, Board of Behavioral Sciences) using the official complaint form. Board of Behavioral Sciences - File a Complaint[3]
  4. Gather evidence: preserve electronic records, take dated photographs, and obtain witness details. Provide copies to police and to any licensing board complaint.
  5. If you receive a notice of administrative action or criminal charges, note appeal deadlines listed in the notice and consider contacting an attorney or legal aid for advice on deadlines and defense options.
If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 911 before taking other steps.

FAQ

Who should I call first after a hate incident?
Call 911 for immediate danger or Redwood City Police Department non-emergency to file a police report; police handle investigations and referral for prosecution.
Can I file a complaint about conversion therapy in Redwood City?
Yes. Complaints about licensed providers are filed with the appropriate California licensing board (for example, Board of Behavioral Sciences). Use the board's official complaint form; criminal referrals may go to county prosecutors.
Are there fines I must pay to file a complaint?
No filing fee is required to file a police report; licensing board complaint forms generally do not list a consumer filing fee on the cited pages.

Key Takeaways

  • For immediate danger, call 911; for reporting, contact Redwood City Police Department.
  • File licensing complaints about conversion therapy with the appropriate California board using the official intake form.
  • Preserve evidence and note any appeal deadlines in notices you receive.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Redwood City Police Department - official department page
  2. [2] San Mateo County District Attorney - official office page
  3. [3] California Board of Behavioral Sciences - consumer complaint instructions

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