Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Hosts Virtual Forum on Bias Crimes

Published on January 26, 2021

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Bias Crimes Unit hosted a virtual community forum on January 25, 2021. They were joined by Middlesex County Department of Corrections and Youth Services Chief Investigator and President of the New Jersey State Bias Crimes Officers Association, David D’Amico.

Chief D’Amico explained how a foundation of ignorance can escalate into acts of discrimination or violence, and that education is the key to breaking down stereotypes about different groups of people. Explaining the law enforcement perspective, investigations of potential bias incidents are based on three factors – recognizing, responding and reporting.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri explained the explained the importance of educating our youth regarding bias crimes and incidents. She urged the public not to overlook and to report bias behavior to the proper authorities. While not every circumstance may rise to the level of a bias incident or crime, they may be harassment, criminal mischief or other infractions.

 

Screen cap of January 2021 Bias forum