Suffolk County is moving to crack down on hate crimes as they continue to rise across the nation and on Long Island.

The District Attorney's Office has launched its Hate Crimes Task Force - the first of its kind in Suffolk.

Specially trained prosecutors will work the county's police departments to investigate suspected bias-motivated incidents.

"By involving this team of prosecutors in the outset of an investigation, we can ensure that every hate crime committed in our county results in enhanced charges to hold perpetrators accountable," said Suffolk District Attorney Tim Sini.

The task force will also evaluate current hate crime statutes and make recommendations at the state level.