8th Judicial District Launches 24/7 Hotline for Bias-motivated and Hate Crimes
The 8th Judicial District Attorney's Office launched a Bias-Motivated and Hate Crime Hotline, allowing victims and witnesses to report directly to prosecutors without being asked about immigration status. The hotline number is 970-498-7150 and serves Larimer and Jackson counties.
The first-of-its-kind local hotline aims to overcome fear and mistrust of traditional law enforcement reporting amid rising concerns about hate crimes statewide.
Colorado reported 326 hate-crime incidents and 333 victims in 2023. Victims were targeted primarily for race, ethnicity, or ancestry (184); sexual orientation (102); religion (30); gender identity (18); and disability (3). The statewide clearance rate was 48.16 percent.
The hotline is not an emergency line—callers experiencing a crime in progress or immediate danger should dial 911. Voicemails left on weekends will be reviewed during business hours. Callers must leave their name and contact information for follow-up by the District Attorney's Office or law enforcement partners.
The office does not ask about or track immigration status. "Our mission is to protect all victims of crime, regardless of citizenship," the DA's office stated. "Protecting all victims makes our entire community safer."
The office created the hotline after receiving questions from concerned community members in 2025 about how to report bias-motivated crimes, ensure their safety while reporting, and secure support during investigations.
"I am incredibly proud that this hotline is now a reality," said District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin. "Making sure that someone has their voice heard and removing barriers to reporting help achieve the goal we all share: protecting all members of our communities. Each call we receive that may have otherwise gone unreported is an additional opportunity to support a victim and an additional chance to hold an offender accountable to create a safer community."
The hotline complements—but does not replace—traditional reporting channels, and victims remain encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency directly.
"I want to thank the many community organizations who contributed their knowledge to this project to ensure we heard from voices who don't always have access to the conversation," McLaughlin said. "It has been heartbreaking to hear from individuals and groups about bias-related incidents, and we want everyone to know we are a trusted partner committed to your safety and dignity."
The hotline will be one piece in a larger network of community and law enforcement resources addressing bias-motivated and hate crimes in the 8th Judicial District.