Approximately 100 people, including residents and student organizations, attended the seminar. The event featured presentations by Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney John Chang, Deputy City Attorney of Los Angeles Robert Cha, and Captain Aaron Ponce of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Olympic Division.
During the seminar, John Chang walked through the process from reporting to investigation to prosecution, emphasizing the importance of making accurate and comprehensive reports.
“For example, when reporting a robbery, it is crucial to provide detailed information about injuries and property damage,” Chang explained. He emphasized putting the harm inflicted on the person first, followed by the property damage. Chang also stressed the significance of including any hate speech in the report, as it plays a vital role in the investigation process.
Chang advised victims to track the progress of the investigation themselves. He highlighted the importance of obtaining a report number and knowing the name and serial number of the officer in charge when contacting the police station.
Furthermore, Chang mentioned that many cases are not sent to prosecutors during the “open investigation” stage due to insufficient evidence. He cited an example where a Korean American man, who was an Air Force reserve, was assaulted with a racial slur in Koreatown. However, the case was not sent to prosecutors because the evidence was unclear. Chang emphasized the need to secure evidence in such cases.
Robert Cha, a seasoned Deputy City Attorney of Los Angeles, noted that hate crimes are still underreported. He assured victims that there is no need to be afraid, as there are numerous resources available to protect and support them. Cha mentioned transportation services for victims attending court and emphasized that they are never left alone.
He also clarified that not all cases require testimony in front of a jury. In misdemeanor hate crime trials, victims only need to be present for a day or two to provide a statement, while the trial itself lasts about five days.
Cha explained that if the county prosecutor determines that a case is not a felony, it is passed on to the city prosecutor and filed as a misdemeanor. The chances of filing a misdemeanor hate crime case are typically around 20 to 30 percent, with 50 percent for hate crimes specifically.
Captain Aaron Ponce highlighted the reality that community safety is a collective responsibility. He noted that in the Olympic Police Department’s 6.2-square-mile jurisdiction, with 245 officers tasked with ensuring the safety of 190,000 residents, there is an average of one officer responsible for every 775 residents. As a result, Ponce emphasized that cooperation and active reporting from the community are essential for effective law enforcement.
James An, the president of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, addressed the difficulties faced by Korean Americans when filing police reports and contacting investigators. He expressed their motivation for organizing the seminar in collaboration with the Korean Prosecutors Association to assist Korean Americans in navigating such challenges.
BY SUAH JANG [jang.suah@koreadaily.com]
