Report Hate Crimes & City Law Resources - Des Moines

Civil Rights and Equity Iowa 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Iowa

In Des Moines, Iowa, you can report suspected hate crimes to the Des Moines Police Department and pursue civil remedies through city offices. This guide explains where to file complaints, the municipal code and enforcement roles, immediate actions to preserve evidence, and how to get help from local and state agencies.

Where to report

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergency reporting, contact the Des Moines Police Department public safety or online reporting options. For civil discrimination or bias incidents that may not be criminal, the City of Des Moines Civil and Human Rights/Equity office accepts complaints and can advise on city-level remedies.

  • Call 911 for ongoing threats or violence.
  • Contact Des Moines Police non-emergency dispatch or records for reports and follow-up Des Moines Police Department[1].
  • File a civil complaint with the City Civil and Human Rights/Equity office for discrimination or bias incidents on city-controlled grounds.
  • Consider contacting the Iowa Attorney General’s office for state resources and victim services.
Preserve photos, messages, and witness contacts as soon as possible.

Penalties & Enforcement

Criminal penalties for bias-motivated conduct depend on state criminal statutes and local ordinances; the City of Des Moines enforces certain prohibitions under its municipal code while the Des Moines Police Department investigates crimes. Specific fine amounts and sentencing ranges are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page; consult the full code and state statutes for statutory penalties and enhancements.[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited municipal code summary page; see cited ordinance source for details.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are treated according to criminal law or ordinance language; ranges not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease, injunctions, restitution, or criminal prosecution may apply depending on charges and court outcomes.
  • Enforcers: Des Moines Police Department handles criminal investigations; City Civil and Human Rights/Equity handles administrative civil complaints and referrals.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes depend on the enforcing instrument (criminal court appeals or administrative review); specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
If you are a victim, ask police or the civil office about protective orders and victim services immediately.

Applications & Forms

The Des Moines Police Department provides reporting instructions and contact points on its official site; the city civil complaint form or intake process is published by the Civil and Human Rights/Equity office when available. If no form is posted, complaints may be initiated by phone or in person as noted on the department pages.[1]

Action steps

  • Immediate safety: call 911 for threats or violence.
  • Collect and preserve evidence: photos, messages, surveillance video, and witness names.
  • Report to Des Moines Police for criminal investigation and request a copy of the police report.
  • Contact the City Civil and Human Rights/Equity office to file a civil complaint or request mediation.
  • If applicable, contact the Iowa Attorney General’s victim services for additional state-level support.
Document dates, times, and locations for every incident you report.

FAQ

How do I report a hate crime in Des Moines?
Call 911 for emergencies or contact the Des Moines Police Department non-emergency line or online reporting; for civil complaints, contact the City Civil and Human Rights/Equity office for intake.
Will filing a police report trigger an investigation?
Yes. The Des Moines Police Department investigates reported criminal acts and will determine appropriate charges based on evidence and applicable law.
Can I file a civil complaint with the city?
Yes. The City Civil and Human Rights/Equity office handles complaints alleging discrimination or bias on city-covered grounds and can advise on remedies.

How-To

  1. Ensure immediate safety and call 911 if there is danger.
  2. Preserve evidence: take photos, save messages, and record witness details.
  3. Contact Des Moines Police to file a criminal report and obtain the report number.[1]
  4. Contact the City Civil and Human Rights/Equity office to file a civil complaint or request guidance.
  5. Ask about victim services, protective orders, and follow-up reporting at each agency.

Key Takeaways

  • Report threats or violence to 911 immediately.
  • Preserve evidence and get a police report number for records.
  • Use both police and the City Civil and Human Rights/Equity office for criminal and civil remedies.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Des Moines Police Department - Reporting
  2. [2] City of Des Moines Code of Ordinances (Municode)

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