More than one dozen diverse community members have completed their training and will join the City of Long Beach Community Assistance Team (CAT), which responds as a Hate Crime Response Team and as an Intergroup Conflict Resolution Team. The new members will allow CAT to be more proactive and educational in addressing Hate Crimes and Conflict Resolution matters.
The Community Action Team undergoes 26 hours of training in Hate Crimes and Conflict Resolution. Most members are bilingual, have a history of community involvement and live in Long Beach. All have a commitment to the community.
“One of the city’s greatest strengths is our rich cultural diversity and we need to promote an environment of respect and inclusiveness in order to honor that diversity,” Mayor Bob Foster said. “These trained volunteers provide a valuable service to the community by helping hate crime victims.”
“The Police Department takes hate crimes very serious, and investigates them very aggressively,” Police Chief Tony Batts said. “In addition, the Community Assistance Team provides victims with support and resources, and helps share the City’s commitment to maintaining a positive quality of life for all.”