Female Muslims praying in the mosque during sunrise time mosque during sunrise time
According to reports from the RCMP, police-reported hate crime in Canada rose sharply in 2017, up 47% over the previous year, and largely the result of an increase in hate-related property crimes, such as graffiti and vandalism. For the year, police reported 2,073 hate crimes, 664 more than in 2016.
Higher numbers were seen across most types of hate crime, with incidents targeting the Muslim, Jewish, and Black populations accounting for most of the national increase, crimes that involved racial bias or hatred for the victims’ ancestry, religious affiliations, sexual orientation, ethnicity or other demographic characteristics.
The victims were diverse, but so too were the offenders. The recent mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue served as a reminder that antisemitism is also an increasingly visible phenomenon and has led many in Lower Mainland’s Jewish community to ponder issues surrounding security for community institutions.
Protecting Lives Cut Short by Hate
When similar hate crimes occurred in Europe, many synagogues and public officials responded by tightening access to those places of worship. Police have been called upon to stand guard near Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues, and other buildings.
Some observers in the United States have called for similar responses here, and Vancouver has already taken steps to increase police vigilance throughout the city. Meanwhile, by suggesting that the solution for preventing mass casualties might be found in increased reliance on security guards.
Hate crimes are almost impossible to predict with specificity, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to assess potential threats and take measures to mitigate risk. With antisemitism and other racial and ethnic bias on the rise, it would be irresponsible to not consider armed security as an option. And while many might argue that the solution is to limit access to the guns that criminals use in violent hate crimes, that ignores the fact that Canada already has some of the toughest gun control laws in the World. Unfortunately, no law has ever prevented a determined criminal from engaging in crime.
On the other hand, there are undeniable benefits to a strong security presence protecting at-risk locations and people. A security guard not only deters most criminals but is also capable of responding to incidents in a timelier manner than public law enforcement. After all, a response from someone already at the scene is guaranteed to be quicker than waiting for the police or other first-responders to arrive on the scene.
Private Security Can Keep You Safe
The fact is that hate is something that will always be with us. It’s a part of the human condition. However, that doesn’t mean that potential victims of hate crimes should simply accept the risk of violence and hope for the best – not when there are professionals trained to provide security for persons, locations, and assets.
At Best WORLD Security Services, Inc., we are committed to doing our part to help you mitigate risks associated with violent attacks, property damage, and other crimes often motivated by hate. Our expert security personnel are trained at our own training facility, to ensure that they have the tools needed to keep you and others safe from harm. To learn how we can help you with your protection needs, contact us today.
