Updated: Wed Aug. 27 2008 5:57:32 PM

ctvtoronto.ca

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Peel Regional Police say their new hotline for reporting hate crimes against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people is the first of its kind in North America.

Insp. Brian Cryerman of the force's diversity relations unit says the initiative will make it easier for people to come forward with complaints.

Cryerman says people should still dial 911 for crimes in progress.

The recorded hotline will be monitored by diversity relations officers, and callers will be contacted within 24 hours.