New York, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced that she will be introducing legislation that would require state and local law enforcement agencies to provide mandatory training in hate crimes recognition and response to all officers.

According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) audit of anti-Semitic incidents, in 2017 there have been 1,267 incidents nationwide, 380 in New York alone. This is a 57% rise from 2016 nationally and a 90% increase on the state level. According to the more in-depth data from ADL’s New York regional office, Queens had the largest increase in anti-Semitic incidents of any of the five boroughs. This drastic increase has been the subject of concern among many communities.

“Following the release of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) annual audit, it is clear that we must take action to combat the rise of anti-Semitism,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “These hate crimes have no place in New York and no community should be subjected to hateful rhetoric and acts of violence.”

Rozic’s bill instructs all law enforcement officers to complete a hate crimes recognition and response training and a refresher training every two years. The bill responds to the rising number of religiously motivated hate crimes by increasing enforcement and recognition.

“Law enforcement agencies on the front lines of responding to the wave of hate crimes should be supported and engaged in efforts to protect all New Yorkers,” Rozic added.

“Improving hate crimes training for law enforcement is critical to effective prevention and response to such crimes. Law enforcement must be able to effectively recognize and address hate crimes and their victims. At a time where hate crimes are rising and current hate crime data is woefully inadequate, mandatory hate crimes training would be a significant step forward in enhancing responses to bias-motivated violence in New York.”

Michael S. Miller, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York said, “Police need specific skills while relating to hate crime victims and specialized training during investigations. While the NYPD has the finest Hate Crimes Task Force in the country and has an exemplary training program for officers and supervisors, this is not the case in many departments outside of New York City. We commend Assemblymember Nily Rozic for her efforts to provide vital training that will better protect all victims of hate crimes throughout New York.”