Report Hate Crimes in Indianapolis - City Resources

Civil Rights and Equity Indiana 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 06, 2026 Flag of Indiana

In Indianapolis, Indiana, victims and witnesses can report suspected hate crimes to local police and access support services. This guide explains who enforces bias-motivated offenses, how to report, what penalties and remedies may apply, and where to find victim assistance. Read the steps below to preserve evidence, file a report, and pursue review or appeal through official channels.

Penalties & Enforcement

Hate-motivated incidents in Indianapolis are investigated by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by the Marion County Prosecutor or other appropriate state prosecutors. Final criminal penalties are set under Indiana criminal law and by the charging decision of prosecutors; specific statutory fine amounts or sentence enhancements are not specified on the cited city pages below.[1] Police may document the incident, collect evidence, and refer cases for criminal charges; federal authorities may also investigate civil-rights violations.[3]

  • Enforcer: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) investigates local reports and refers prosecution to the Marion County Prosecutor or Indiana Attorney General as appropriate.[1]
  • Prosecution: Charges and penalties are determined by state criminal statutes and prosecutorial charging decisions; the city page does not list dollar fines or mandatory enhancement amounts.
  • Fines & Sentences: Specific dollar fines or sentencing ranges for hate-motivated enhancements are not specified on the cited municipal pages; consult state statute and prosecuting office files for numeric ranges.[2]
  • Complaint pathways: report to IMPD in person or by phone, or contact federal civil rights investigators for potential federal charges.[1]
  • Inspections & Evidence: officers will document injuries, property damage, and witness statements; preserve photos, messages, and physical evidence.
If you believe you were targeted because of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or national origin, tell responding officers that the incident may be bias-motivated.

Appeals, Review, and Time Limits

Appeal and review of charging decisions follow standard criminal procedure in Indiana; if charges are filed, defendants and prosecutors use court rules to seek review. Statutes of limitations for the underlying offense depend on the offense class under state law and are not listed on the cited municipal reporting pages. For federal civil-rights prosecutions, federal filing and investigative procedures apply.[3]

Defenses and Discretion

Prosecutors exercise discretion based on evidence and available statutes; possible defenses and permitted exceptions depend on the charged offense and are governed by state and federal law. The city reporting pages do not publish a list of allowed defenses.

Applications & Forms

No dedicated municipal "hate crime" reporting form is published on the city site; victims typically file a police report with IMPD or submit information to federal incident-reporting portals. The FBI provides an online resource for civil-rights/hate-crime information and reporting guidance.[3]

How to Report a Suspected Hate Crime

  1. Call 911 for emergencies; for non-emergencies contact IMPD via the non-emergency number or visit a precinct to file a report.[1]
  2. Preserve evidence: save messages, photos, clothing, and eyewitness contacts.
  3. Request a written incident or police report and obtain a report number for follow up.
  4. If you believe civil-rights violations occurred, consider notifying federal authorities or the Indiana Attorney General. [2]
If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately and inform medical staff the incident may be bias-motivated.

FAQ

How do I report a hate crime in Indianapolis?
Call 911 for emergencies or contact IMPD to file a police report; federal reporting options are also available.[1]
Will the city pay for my medical or relocation costs?
Direct victim compensation or relocation assistance is not listed on the municipal reporting pages; victims should ask police and local victim services about available programs.
Can hate incidents that are not crimes be reported?
Yes, discriminatory incidents or threats can be reported to police and civil-rights offices for documentation and possible civil remedies.

How-To

  1. Document everything immediately: photos, timestamps, and witness names.
  2. Contact IMPD to file a report in person, by phone, or at a precinct.[1]
  3. Request a copy of the police report and ask how the incident will be classified and referred.
  4. If needed, contact the Marion County Prosecutor or Indiana Attorney General for guidance on charging decisions.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Report promptly to IMPD and preserve evidence.
  • Victims can seek local victim services and federal civil-rights reporting options.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Indianapolis - Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
  2. [2] State of Indiana - Attorney General
  3. [3] Federal Bureau of Investigation - Hate Crimes

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