The Essex County Prosecutor's Office actively discourages bias/hate crimes and will use all appropriate resources at its disposal -- including bail restrictions, court sanctions, and enhanced penalties -- against individuals and groups who victimize others using crimes of hate.

Bias and hate crimes are acts of prejudice based on a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, homeless status, and/or ethnicity. These crimes are usually committed by young offenders and are carried out in groups.