Hate Crimes Investigations
On-Demand CourseCourse Overview
State-approved hate crimes training for security officers and private investigators. Learn to recognize bias indicators, document objectively, and refer correctly.
What's Included
- • 2 hours of comprehensive training
- • Professional certification upon completion
- • Access to course materials
Learning Objectives
- • Define what distinguishes a hate or bias-motivated crime from an ordinary offense and identify protected classes under federal and NC law
- • Describe the categories of bias indicators — verbal, symbolic, behavioral, and circumstantial
- • Explain the investigator's lawful scope under N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 74C versus law-enforcement jurisdiction
- • Value objectivity and impartiality, following the evidence rather than assumptions
- • Demonstrate sensitivity to victims and communities while maintaining professional boundaries
- • Evaluate a fact pattern to identify bias indicators and distinguish supported inferences from assumptions
- • Apply a structured investigative approach, including evidence identification, documentation, and coordination with law enforcement
Course Content
Hate Crimes Training for Investigators
- • Welcome, Orientation & Why This Matters
- • Hate-Crime Statutes & Legal Framework
- • Recognizing Bias Indicators
- • Investigative Approaches for Bias-Motivation Cases
- • Working with Law Enforcement, Victims & Communities
- • Review, Assessment & Closing
Your Instructor
Catherine Flowers
Catherine Flowers is the Director of Training for PI Leadership Academy and Security Compliance Academy, where she develops and teaches board-approved continuing education for private investigators and security professionals across nine states. A Retired Raleigh Police Officer and former Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, Catherine brings more than 27 years of field experience to the classroom. She is a North Carolina licensed private investigator and owner of Cat's Eye Private Investigations in Raleigh. Her security and investigator training courses have earned more than 190 five-star student reviews. Her instructor credentials include North Carolina Close Protection (CPP) instructor and Defense Technology OC Aerosol Instructor certifications, along with security guard instructor credentials in Georgia (armed) and unarmed guard instructor credentials in Florida, Tennessee, New York, and the Colorado cities of Denver and Pueblo. She has delivered P.E.A.C.E. Model investigative interviewing training to New York Life, a Fortune 100 insurance carrier, and was featured on the cover of PI Magazine in its May/June 2024 issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this Hate Crimes Training for Investigators course cover?
This 2-hour PPSB-approved continuing education course teaches NC-licensed private investigators how to recognize bias-motivated crimes, understand hate-crime statutes, identify bias indicators (verbal, symbolic, behavioral, and circumstantial), and apply proper investigative methods when working bias-motivation cases.
Who is required or eligible to take this course?
The course is open to all NC-licensed private investigators and registrants. It's especially useful for PIs handling cases involving vandalism, harassment, threats, or violence where protected-class motivation may be a factor.
How many CE credit hours does this course provide?
This course provides 2.0 continuing education hours (120 minutes of contact instruction), applicable toward NC Private Protective Services Board (PPSB) license renewal requirements.
Is this course available online, or does it require in-person attendance?
The course is offered both as a self-paced online course (via Rise 360) and as a live virtual/synchronous session (via Zoom). There's no fixed physical location, and it's offered on a rolling basis.
What is the legal and statutory basis for this course?
The course is grounded in N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 74C and 14B NCAC Chapter 16, covering the legal framework that distinguishes hate crimes from ordinary offenses and defines the investigator's lawful scope relative to law enforcement.
What Our Students Say
"Mrs. Flowers is an excellent and very thorough instructor! She knows her stuff. You can't go wrong with PI Leadership Academy."
Paul B.
Investigative Professional
"Cat and her PI Leadership Academy is a well oiled machine with great experience and knowledge of several topics. Cat is experienced and knowledgeable on several topics which makes it a must to attend one of her classes. As the others have stated, she is professional, polished, accomodating and will make sure that everyone gets it. I highly recommend attending any of her classes at her PI Leadership Academy."
M. Bell
Retired Law Enforcement
"Cat is an exemplary leader and educator in the field of professional development and security training. As the owner and operator of both PI Leadership Academy and Security Compliance Academy, Cat has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in training programs. PI Leadership Academy offers a wide range of courses designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of private investigators and security professionals. The academy's curriculum includes critical topics such as ethics for legal professionals, active shooter/workplace violence defense, and understanding implicit bias in security and investigations. Cat's dedication to providing high-quality, relevant training is evident in the comprehensive and practical nature of these courses. Security Compliance Academy specializes in security guard training and certification, ensuring that professionals are well-prepared to meet the demands of today's security landscape. The academy offers state-compliant certification programs that exceed minimum standards, with a focus on real-world application and legal compliance. Cat's background as a retired Raleigh Police Officer and former Military Police Officer brings a wealth of experience and credibility to the training programs, making them highly respected and sought after. Cat's leadership is characterized by a deep understanding of the security industry's needs and a proactive approach to addressing them. The virtual and in-person training options provided by both academies offer flexibility and accessibility, making it easier for professionals to receive the training they need without compromising on quality. In summary, Cat's PI Leadership Academy and Security Compliance Academy are invaluable resources for anyone seeking to advance their career in security and investigations. Cat's expertise, dedication, and innovative approach to training make these academies stand out as leaders in the field."
John F.