Report Hate Crimes to Amarillo Police

Civil Rights and Equity Texas 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of Texas

If you or someone else is the victim of a hate-motivated incident in Amarillo, Texas, contact local law enforcement promptly. The City of Amarillo Police Department accepts reports through its department pages and by phone; you can begin with the department's reporting/contact information Amarillo Police Department[1]. For incidents that may implicate federal civil-rights violations, the FBI provides guidance and reporting routes online FBI - Hate Crimes[2]. Preserve evidence, get medical care if needed, and ask to speak with victim services when you contact police.

Where to Report

Primary reporting routes in Amarillo:

  • Call 911 for emergencies or threats to safety.
  • Use the Amarillo Police Department non-emergency/contact page to file or start a report online where available.[1]
  • If the incident involves federal civil-rights elements, contact the FBI Civil Rights Division or submit a tip online.[2]
Report threats or violent acts immediately to 911 so officers can respond.

Penalties & Enforcement

Hate-motivated offenses in Amarillo are investigated and enforced by the Amarillo Police Department; prosecution is handled by local or state prosecutors and, where applicable, the federal government. Specific municipal fines or bylaw penalties for "hate crimes" are not specified on the Amarillo Police Department pages; criminal charges and penalties are determined under Texas state criminal statutes or federal law depending on the conduct and charges.[1]

  • Enforcer: Amarillo Police Department (initial investigation) and Randall or Potter County prosecutors or the State/Federal authorities for charges.
  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited municipal page; penalties depend on the criminal offense charged at state or federal level.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences and sentencing vary by statute and are not specified on the cited city page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include arrest, criminal prosecution, restraining orders, restitution orders, and court-ordered remedy; specifics depend on charging statutes and prosecution decisions.
  • Inspection/complaint pathways: file a police report with Amarillo Police Department; request victim services and obtain a copy of the police report for court or civil use.
  • Appeals/review: criminal convictions are appealed through the Texas court system; time limits and routes depend on the charge and judgment and are set by state or federal rules, not the cited municipal page.
Preserve digital and physical evidence and note witness contacts to support any criminal or civil case.

Applications & Forms

The Amarillo Police Department does not publish a special "hate crime" application form on its main pages; reporting is done via regular police reports, 911, or the department contact/non-emergency reporting routes. For federal reporting to the FBI, use the agency's guidance and tip/online-reporting tools.[1]

How the Police Handle Reports

When you report a hate-motivated incident, expect the police to:

  • Take an initial report and gather witness statements.
  • Collect evidence: photos, video, messages, and any physical items.
  • Provide victim-witness services referrals and information about protective orders or emergency assistance.

FAQ

What is considered a hate crime?
A hate crime is conduct motivated by bias against a protected characteristic; exact legal definitions and charges come from state or federal statutes and are applied by investigators and prosecutors.
Can I report anonymously?
Anonymous tips can be submitted to law enforcement or the FBI, but anonymous reports may limit investigation options; provide as much information as possible.
Will the city prosecute a hate crime?
Amarillo Police investigate; prosecution decisions are made by county, state, or federal prosecutors depending on the offense and evidence.

How-To

  1. Ensure safety: call 911 for immediate danger.
  2. Contact Amarillo Police Department via their contact/reporting page or non-emergency number to file a police report.[1]
  3. Preserve evidence: save messages, photos, videos, and record witness names.
  4. If the incident implicates civil-rights statutes, consider also submitting information to the FBI Civil Rights Division online.[2]
  5. Ask for victim services and request a copy of the police report for records and possible civil actions.

Key Takeaways

  • Report hate-motivated incidents promptly to Amarillo Police to start an official investigation.
  • Preserve evidence and obtain a police report copy for prosecution or civil remedies.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Amarillo - Police Department
  2. [2] Federal Bureau of Investigation - Hate Crimes

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