Illinois advocates urge action on hate crime training amid rising reports

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Advocates gathered Tuesday to push for a bill requiring Illinois police officers to undergo hate crime training, citing a dramatic rise in reported hate crimes statewide.

Since 2019, reported hate crimes in Illinois have increased by 362%, rising from 70 incidents to 324 in 2023, according to FBI data. 

Advocates emphasized the need for law enforcement training, noting that nearly 200 Illinois police agencies do not voluntarily report crime data to the FBI.

Despite Illinois being among the first states to establish a hate crimes law, it is not one of 14 states requiring hate crime training for officers. 

Speakers at the rally highlighted barriers to reporting such crimes, including mistrust of law enforcement and cultural factors.

The proposed legislation would mandate hate crime training for officers every three years and encourage departments to adopt policies aligned with national best practices.

Advocates hope the bill will pass during the January legislative session.