Peel Region, ON — October 2025:
Peel Regional Police have officially launched a dedicated Hate Crime Unit to strengthen their response to crimes motivated by hate, bias, or discrimination.
The new specialized team will work across all divisions to investigate hate-related offences, provide expert support to front-line officers, and track emerging trends in bias-motivated incidents. The initiative reflects Peel Police’s growing focus on equity, inclusion, and community trust. Each police division will continue to have a Hate-Motivated Crime Coordinator, while the regional Equity and Inclusion Bureau will oversee data analysis and long-term strategies to address hate-driven crimes across Mississauga and Brampton.
Before classifying an offence as hate-motivated, investigators must confirm that a criminal act occurred — such as assault, threats, or property damage — and that it was driven, wholly or partly, by prejudice toward a protected characteristic such as race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. Police officials say the new unit will not only handle investigations but also play a vital role in community outreach, education, and prevention, ensuring that victims feel supported and that such incidents are addressed swiftly and effectively. Residents who experience or witness hate-motivated activity are encouraged to contact Peel Regional Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.