The Number of Hate Crimes Increased, According to Maryland State Police

Officers from the Maryland State Police said the number of hate crimes reported increased in 2017 compared to the number of incidents reported in 2016.

According to a report from The Capital Gazette, police said 398 hate-related incidents were reported in 2017, an increase of 103 compared to 2016.

The increase in incidents happened in more densely-populated areas including Baltimore, Howard, Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.

Anne Arundel Police spokesperson, Marc Limansky, told the newspaper that the recent numbers probably under-represent the issue as the report only outlines hate crimes reported to local police departments.

The report revealed that black people were the most common target in the reported incidents. Black people accounted for 177 out of 398 reported cases statewide, according to the report.

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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