Salt Lake City Hate Crime Reporting & Local Law

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

In Salt Lake City, Utah, people who experience or witness suspected hate crimes should report them promptly to city authorities and law enforcement. This guide explains where to report, what information to collect, the roles of the Salt Lake City Police Department and city Civil Rights & Equity functions, and how penalties and enforcement typically work under municipal reporting and state prosecution. For immediate threats or violence call local emergency services; non-emergency reporting options and victim support resources are maintained by city departments and partner agencies Salt Lake City Police Department hate-crime reporting[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Hate-crime allegations in Salt Lake City are investigated by the Salt Lake City Police Department and referred to the appropriate prosecuting authority (typically the Salt Lake County District Attorney) when criminal conduct is suspected. The city's Civil Rights & Equity office may accept non-criminal discrimination or bias complaints and coordinate referrals to enforcement or supportive services.

  • Enforcer: Salt Lake City Police Department investigates criminal reports; prosecutors review charges and seek penalties in court.
  • Complaint pathways: report to police or file a civil or administrative complaint through the city Civil Rights & Equity office Salt Lake City Civil Rights & Equity[2].
  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: penalties are determined by the underlying criminal charge and any statutory enhancement for bias; specific escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: possible criminal sentences, restraining orders, victim restitution orders, and court-ordered conditions; specific non-monetary sanctions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Evidence and records: provide photos, messages, witness names, and timelines to support investigations.
  • Appeals and review: criminal convictions and administrative orders follow state appellate processes; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
If the incident is violent or an emergency, call local emergency services immediately.

Applications & Forms

The Salt Lake City Police Department accepts incident reports and may provide an online reporting tool or victim intake; the city Civil Rights & Equity office accepts civil bias or discrimination complaints. No single consolidated city form is specified on the cited pages.

How to Report a Hate Crime

When reporting, provide a clear account of what happened, identify the protected characteristic you believe motivated the act (if known), list witnesses, and share any physical or digital evidence. Police investigators and civil-rights staff will advise next steps, including protective orders and victim support referrals.

  • Timing: report as soon as possible to preserve evidence and witness accounts.
  • Documentation: save messages, photos, video, and any property damage records.
  • Contacts: use police reporting channels for criminal matters and the Civil Rights & Equity office for civil complaints.
Keep a written timeline of the incident and preserve digital evidence.

Action Steps

  • Report to police: call emergency services for threats, use non-emergency or online reporting for non-urgent incidents.
  • File a civil complaint with the city Civil Rights & Equity office if the incident involves discrimination in housing, employment, or public accommodations.
  • Contact the prosecuting authority if you are notified of charges or need case status information.

FAQ

Who investigates hate crimes in Salt Lake City?
The Salt Lake City Police Department investigates criminal hate incidents and refers cases to the prosecuting authority when appropriate.
Can I file a civil discrimination complaint with the city?
Yes. The city Civil Rights & Equity office accepts civil discrimination or bias complaints and provides referrals and coordination.
What penalties apply for a hate crime?
Penalties depend on the underlying criminal offense and any statutory enhancement; exact fines or sentence ranges are not specified on the cited city pages.

How-To

  1. Ensure immediate safety and call emergency services if someone is in danger.
  2. Contact the Salt Lake City Police Department to report the incident and request an investigator.
  3. Preserve and collect evidence: photos, messages, witness names, and written notes of what occurred.
  4. If the incident involves housing, employment, or public accommodations, file a civil complaint with the city Civil Rights & Equity office.
  5. Follow up with investigators and the prosecuting agency for case status and next steps on charges or restitution.

Key Takeaways

  • Report quickly to preserve evidence and help investigators.
  • The Salt Lake City Police Department handles criminal investigations; prosecutors decide charges.
  • Civil complaints for discrimination can be filed with the city Civil Rights & Equity office.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Salt Lake City Police Department hate-crime reporting
  2. [2] Salt Lake City Civil Rights & Equity

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