By ERIC TUCKER
WASHINGTON – Advocates for gay and lesbian residents of the District of Columbia say police need to more responsive to reports of bias and hate crimes.
A.J. Singletary, president of Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence, told a D.C. Council committee on Wednesday that reports of crimes against the gay and lesbian community increased in the first quarter this year over 2010. But he said it’s not clear whether that’s due to increased reporting or because there are actually more crimes.
Advocates also say police aren’t documenting hate crimes effectively.
Council member Phil Mendelson, who chairs the public safety committee, called for Wednesday’s hearing to determine whether police are responding appropriately to hate crimes.
Police Chief Cathy Lanier says the department has taken several steps, including training, to improve responsiveness.
