The Romanian Police is working to establish specialist hate crime investigation officers. There is now a designated police officer responsible for hate crimes cases within each regional Criminal Investigation Service of the Romanian Police. Consequently, there are 48 specialist hate crime police officers throughout Romania's 41 counties and in Bucharest. In addition, there is a newly established unit within the Criminal Investigation Directorate – the Office for the Investigation of Hate Crimes – which is made up of six police officers.
ODIHR recognizes Romania's efforts to provide national hate crime data and information to ODIHR. However, based on the available information, it observes that law enforcement agencies have not recorded the bias motivations of hate crimes. In addition, ODIHR observes that Romania would benefit from raising awareness among and building the capacity of criminal justice officials to address hate crime.
ODIHR recalls that in Ministerial Council Decision 9/09, OSCE participating States committed to promptly investigating hate crimes and ensuring that the motives of those convicted of hate crimes are acknowledged. To that end, law enforcement agencies must first record the bias motivations behind hate crimes. Participating States also committed to introducing or further developing professional training and capacity-building activities for law enforcement, prosecution and judicial officials dealing with hate crimes. ODIHR stands ready to support Romania in meeting its relevant commitments through the provision of comprehensive resources and tailored assistance in the area of hate crime recording and data collection, as well as by providing further resources and tailored capacity-building assistance for police, prosecutors, and the judiciary.