Los Angeles, CA, January 25, 2005 ... The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applauds the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and the Riverside Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on the extensive investigation and subsequent arrest of 18 members of white supremacist hate groups in Southwest Riverside County.

"Hate groups aim to instill fear in an entire community.  This kind of multi-agency law enforcement operation can counteract and help prevent the spread of extremist ideology," said Amanda Susskind, ADL Pacific Southwest Regional Director. 

ADL regularly works with law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California to assist with training on hate crimes, domestic terrorism and extremism.  A special symposium conducted by the ADL for the Riverside County Probations Department and Riverside County Sheriff's Department was scheduled for January 26. 

The symposium was scheduled before the recent arrests and addresses domestic terrorism, understanding extremist ideology, recognizing hate symbols and tattoos and information related to hate crimes.

ADL also works to counteract and prevent the root causes of hate. "We teach anti-bias training starting in preschool and continuing through high school, college and the workplace to stop hate before it takes root," said Ms. Susskind.  "No other organization is so closely associated with the fight against hate or increasing public awareness of hate and bigotry of all kinds."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.