There were 882 hate crimes based on race or ethnicity in California in 2021, a number law enforcement acknowledges is likely an undercount.
"We're in a full-on state of crisis, state of emergency when it comes to hate crimes and hate violence," said Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Bonta said hate crimes against Asians in California jumped 107% from 2019 to 2020.
As the number of hate crimes rise across California, San Francisco Assemblymember Phil Ting, who represents Parts of San Mateo County and San Francisco, introduced AB1947, the "Hate Crimes Bill," that wold institute more clear definitions and responses to hate incidents.
AB 1947 was inspired after a surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. But the legislation would apply to all races, religions, disabilities, genders, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics.
The bill has already passed the committee, and would require California law enforcement agencies to adopt a 'hate crimes policy' for the Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training. It would also standardize the definition of a hate crime and obligate law enforcement to file their hate crime policies with the Department of Justice. Presently, reporting hate crimes is not required by the State.
"Right now we have problems with reporting hate crimes and also getting hate crime data. Many times a crime will occur and it doesn't get classified as a hate crime," Ting said.
It would also give more accurate numbers. In 2018, the state auditor found law enforcement agencies under-reported hate crimes due to outdated or non-existent policies.
According to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism shows large increases in anti-AAPI hate crimes. San Francisco has seen a 576% increase, while Los Angeles has experienced a 173% increase.
"This has to end," wrote Tin in an op-ed. "Crimes motivated by hate are not just attacks on innocent individuals, but also on our communities. Strength and more consistency in the handling of such crimes sends a message that hate will not be tolerated.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and tips from an AAPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter.
No comments:
Post a Comment