Requires an arrest where a police officer has reasonable cause to believe a hate crime has been committed

This bill (A 4766) requires police officers to make an arrest when they have reasonable cause to believe a hate crime has occurred, rather than attempting to mediate or reconcile the parties involved. It directly affects law enforcement officers and individuals accused of committing hate crimes under New York's criminal procedure law. The key provision adds a new subdivision to Section 140.10, mandating arrests for hate crimes upon reasonable cause, effective immediately upon enactment. This changes the standard procedure for officers responding to suspected hate crimes by removing discretion to avoid arrest.