News Item

Police won´t track trans hate crimes

 By Timothy Cwiek

PGN Contributing Writer

© 2004 Timothy Cwiek

   Although a state hate-crimes law that includes "gender identity" has been in effect for more than a year, Philadelphia police refuse to track hate crimes against members of the transgender community.

   Chief Inspector James Tiano, a liaison to sexual and gender minorities, told PGN this week that department officials won´t create a separate tracking category for hate crimes based on the victim´s transgender status, real or perceived.

   Tiano said the department already tracks hate-crimes on the basis of sexual orientation. He said it´s unnecessary to add a new category for members of the transgender community.

   Tiano stressed the department is concerned about trans-related hate crimes. But he said those crimes probably would be reported through the existing category that covers lesbians and gay men.

   Tiano said seven hate crimes against lesbians and gay men in Philadelphia were reported to police last year.

   Kristine W. Holt, a transgender attorney, acknowledged that city, state and federal laws do not require police to track trans-related hate crimes. But she hopes police will do it, anyway.

   "Is it asking too much?" Holt said. "I don´t know. Why don´t you ask Nizah Morris that question? Unfortunately, she´s not around to give an answer."

   Morris was a West Philadelphia trans woman discovered with a fatal head wound in December 2002, shortly after receiving a courtesy ride from Philadelphia police.

   Stacey Sobel, executive director of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, also wants police to track hate crimes against members of the transgender community.

   "It´s especially important for members of the transgender community, who´ve long been violently victimized by people," Sobel said. "They´ve often been victims of hate crimes that have gone unreported or under-investigated by police."

   Sobel said hate-crimes tracking provides valuable information.

   "In order for the police and the larger community to truly understand the issues, we need to be able to see the impact of hate crimes upon transgender people," she continued.

   She credited the police department with making important steps toward improved relations with trans people, but said more could be done.

   "While the police department is improving its relationship with the transgender community, it needs to be able to show that it´s sensitive to the crimes committed against this portion of our community," Sobel said.

   Irene Benedetti, chair of the Police Liaison Committee, said trans police officer Maria Gonzalez´s recent decision to come out publicly may help convince police to track trans-related hate crimes.

   "With this officer, it could be a real stepping stone for the trans community," Benedetti said. "I´m going to request that the officer attend a Police Liaison Committee meeting. We may be able to work together with her, to have more defined policies within the police department, including the tracking of hate crimes."

   Gonzalez could not be reached for comment.