Montgomery County looking to curb hate crimes against nonprofit, faith-based groups

Montgomery County, Maryland, has been plagued with hate crimes that have targeted local nonprofit and faith-based organizations for years. Now the county is looking to extend a helping hand once again to help those who have been victimized or targeted.

County Executive Marc Elrich announced that the county is awarding $1.2 million in security grants.

The grants mean 110 local nonprofits, faith-based organizations and houses of worship whose facilities have experienced hate crimes or are at “high risk of experiencing hate crimes” will receive money.

The funding is designed to help reduce the burden of safety and security enhancements. Recipients can use it to:

Hire security personnel or augment current security personnel
Pay for a security assessment or plan
Conduct security training
Develop and execute a security drill
Purchase new security cameras for their facility.
According to police reports, nearly half of the bias incidents in the county in the past year involved some type of verbal or written intimidation, and simple assault as well.

Read more: WJLA