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California has reached an important milestone in strengthening protections for victims of hate crimes. A new California Department of Justice (DOJ) data review found that all 105 law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, Orange, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties now have hate crime policies that meet state requirements.
The milestone follows the passage of Assembly Bill 449 (AB 449), authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting, which requires every California law enforcement agency to adopt comprehensive hate crime policies that meet statewide standards. As part of the law, the DOJ is reviewing agency policies across California to ensure they comply with those requirements.
When the DOJ began reviewing the first five counties, only seven of the 105 agencies had policies that fully met the state’s standards. After identifying deficiencies and directing agencies to make revisions, all 105 agencies are now in compliance. The remaining counties across the state will continue to be reviewed through 2028.
These policies provide guidance on how officers identify, investigate, document and respond to crimes motivated by bias. Consistent policies help ensure hate crimes are recognized, investigated appropriately and handled more consistently for victims across California.
For the disability community, this progress is especially significant. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience hate crimes and other bias-motivated incidents at disproportionately high rates. Yet anti-disability hate crimes are often referred to as the “invisible hate crimes” because they are significantly underreported, making it even more important that law enforcement officers recognize the signs and respond appropriately.
While this marks an important achievement, advocates say one significant gap remains. California still does not require law enforcement officers to receive training on how to implement these policies. Written policies are an essential first step, but training helps ensure officers can apply them consistently and effectively in real-world situations.
The Arc & UCP California Collaboration will continue working with civil rights partners to introduce and advance legislation that supports practical, cost-effective hate crime training for California law enforcement officers. Building on the success of AB 449, advocates believe mandatory training is the next step toward strengthening protections for victims and ensuring more consistent responses to hate crimes statewide.
Click HERE to view the press release.