Our Mission

Our Mission

The Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) strives to fulfill New York City’s strong commitment to diversity and respect for all.

Using a multi-pronged approach that encompasses education, laws and enforcement, and community relations, OPHC seeks to educate the public about the impact of bias-motivated incidents and hate crimes on individuals and communities, and develop strategies to prevent them. No one should be targeted because of their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics defined in New York's hate crime law. All New Yorkers have the right to be safe in their homes, neighborhoods, houses of worship, schools, and businesses.

OPHC's Three Pillar Approach

Hate crime prevention requires a multi-pronged approach that focuses on three intersectional pillars: (1) education, (2) community relations, and (3) laws and law enforcement. OPHC uses this strategic framework, working with city agencies and communities to respond to and prevent bias-motivated incidents and hate crimes.