Police bias units and hate crime reporting: Insights from the geocoded version of the National Crime Victimization Survey

This study examines the role of police bias units as a factor in hate crime reporting. We use a series of survey logistic regression models to analyze a restricted version of the National Crime Victimization Survey, which we merge with data on the presence of police bias units. The results indicate that the greater presence of police bias units is positively associated with an increased likelihood of hate crime reporting. Notably, with an initial increase in police bias units, hate crime victimization aligns more closely with official hate crime statistics. The effect of police bias units is also conditioned by community characteristics. These findings carry important policy implications, underscoring the vital role of police bias units in enhancing hate crime reporting and identifying communities where their effects are most pronounced. • Examines the impact of police bias units on hate crime reporting. • Uses a restricted National Crime Victimization Survey merged with data on police bias units. • Greater presence of police bias units is associated with higher likelihood of hate crime reporting. • With an initial increase in police bias units, hate crime victimization aligns more closely with official hate crime reports. • Highlights the crucial role of police bias units in improving hate crime reporting.