Boulder County, Colo. --The District Attorney’s Office’s Bias and Hate Crimes Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) has been recognized with an Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The award honors innovative, effective government programs that strengthen services for residents.

Hate crimes severely impact victims and community wellbeing. Upon taking office, District Attorney Michael Dougherty initiated the Bias and Hate Crimes Initiative, which included law enforcement training, community engagement, and a hotline for reporting incidents. Recognizing the need for further action, the Bias and Hate Crimes MDT was established, bringing together the DA’s Office, law enforcement, and community members to address bias-motivated incidents in Boulder County. The MDT enables a collaborative response to incidents, improves case investigations, supports victims, and analyzes trends to develop training and outreach.

Hate crimes are on the rise, with the FBI reporting all-time highs in Colorado and across the nation. Despite this, many incidents remain unreported due to distrust in law enforcement and the belief that no action will be taken. A survey conducted by the Hate Free Colorado Coalition revealed that 28% of adult Coloradans experienced a hate crime in the past five years, a figure much higher than official statistics. This underreporting highlights the urgent need for improved engagement and support from the criminal justice system to ensure these crimes are taken seriously.

The Bias and Hate Crimes MDT, led by the DA’s Office, facilitates a coordinated community response to hate incidents in Boulder County. The MDT meets regularly to discuss trends, specific cases, and training opportunities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing hate crimes. This collaborative effort is crucial as hate crime reports in Colorado reached a record high in 2022, with 318 incidents documented by the FBI. The DA’s Office and MDT members also participate in the Hate Free Colorado Coalition, which works to address bias and hate across the state and has revealed significant underreporting of these crimes through statewide surveys. This program aims to enhance the reporting and handling of hate crimes, ensuring that victims receive the support needed and that the community remains vigilant against hate and bias.

Earlier today, our office received the NACo award for our hate crimes work.

District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated, “Our office is honored by this award which recognizes our strong commitment to combatting hate crimes, as well as our close collaboration with community groups and law enforcement agencies. I especially want to thank Senior Investigator AJ McNalley and Chief Trial Deputy District Attorney Christian Gardner-Wood for their work on this innovative and important approach. This award reaffirms our dedication to ensuring that all individuals feel supported and protected.”