Report a Hate Crime - Boston Law & Next Steps

Civil Rights and Equity Massachusetts 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts residents who experience or witness hate crimes should know how to report incidents and what to expect from law enforcement and prosecutors. This guide explains practical steps for reporting a bias-motivated incident to local authorities, what evidence to gather, possible enforcement channels, victim supports, and appeal options under the local and state system. It focuses on immediate safety, preserving evidence, official reporting, and follow-up with the investigating agencies.

How to report a hate crime

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For non-emergency reporting and guidance, contact local law enforcement, request a hate-crime investigation, or use official city reporting channels. Provide a clear written or recorded statement, names of witnesses, dates, locations, and any physical or digital evidence.

  • Call 911 for threats or violence.
  • Contact Boston Police non-emergency dispatch for incidents that already occurred.
  • Preserve evidence: photos, video, messages, clothing, and medical records.
  • Prepare a written account with dates, times, locations, and witness contact details.
If you are injured, seek medical care and ask the provider to document injuries.

Penalties & Enforcement

Hate-motivated conduct can be charged as crimes under Massachusetts criminal law and may result in criminal prosecution by the district attorney. Civil remedies may also be available through state authorities. Specific fine amounts and exact statutory penalty figures are not specified on the municipal reporting pages referenced in the resources below.

  • Primary enforcers: Boston Police Department for investigation and the local district attorney for prosecution.
  • Complaint pathways: 911 for emergencies, police report for non-emergencies, or referrals to state offices and victim services.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: criminal charges, restraining orders, restitution orders, and court-ordered remedies.
  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited municipal pages.
  • Escalation: first and repeat offenses are prosecuted under state criminal law; specific escalations and ranges are set by statute and are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
  • Appeals and review: criminal convictions and certain administrative orders may be appealed in Massachusetts courts; time limits depend on the charge or order and are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
Penalties for hate-motivated crimes are determined under state criminal law and by the prosecutor, not by municipal reporting forms alone.

Applications & Forms

There is no single municipal “hate crime” application form required to start a criminal investigation; reporting typically occurs by police report or 911. For victim services or civil referrals, state offices publish intake forms and instructions; if no municipal form is published, none is required at the city level.

Evidence and documentation

Document the incident carefully and keep original evidence when possible. Photographs, screenshots, witness names, and medical documentation strengthen investigations and any later prosecutions or civil claims.

  • Collect time-stamped photos, video, and screenshots.
  • Keep physical items and clothing in a paper bag to preserve evidence.
  • Get witness contact details and permission for investigators to interview them.
  • Obtain medical records and police incident numbers for documentation.
Write down your account as soon as possible while details are fresh.

After reporting: investigation, support, and follow-up

After a report, law enforcement decides whether to open a hate-crime investigation and may coordinate with a district attorney. Victim-witness services can provide safety planning, counseling referrals, and help with protective orders. Keep the police incident number and contact the investigating officer for status updates.

  • Contact the investigating officer or victim-witness unit for updates.
  • Request a copy of the police report for insurance, civil claims, or employer records.
  • If charges are filed, the district attorney will handle prosecution and notify victims of rights.
Victim-witness offices provide information on compensation programs and court accompaniment.

FAQ

Do I have to report a hate crime to the police?
No, you are not required to report, but reporting to police begins official investigation and preserves evidence.
Can I report anonymously?
Some police departments accept anonymous tips, but anonymous reports can limit investigators' ability to interview victims and witnesses; check local procedures.
What happens after I file a report?
Law enforcement will assess the report, gather evidence, and decide whether to refer charges to the district attorney for prosecution.

How-To

  1. Ensure immediate safety and call 911 if there is an ongoing threat.
  2. Document the incident with photos, messages, and witness contacts.
  3. Report the incident to Boston Police or through the city’s non-emergency reporting channels.
  4. Obtain a police report number and request victim-witness resources.
  5. If criminal charges are pursued, follow case updates with the district attorney’s office.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 911 for emergencies; preserve evidence and get a police report for non-emergencies.
  • Victim-witness and prosecutor offices can provide support and referrals.

Help and Support / Resources

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