Pray that Police Departments Be Like Santa Monica’s for the Days to Come
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Santa Monica Police Department (Source: santamonica.gov)
And yet, Race and Ethnicity remain two of the ten boxes in the internal Hate Crime Checklist of the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD). Police Lieutenant Erika Aklufi, from the Santa Monica Office of the Chief of Police, doesn’t consider the boxes superfluous because she holds no illusions that any town is immune to race or ethnicity bias-motivated crimes.
Based on her observations and those of fellow officers, she says, “None of us thinks there’ve been zero anti-AAPI hate crimes in the community. We think that they’re being chronically underreported.”
Lieutenant Aklufi can relate to the trepidation associated with coming forward with a hate accusation. “Police officers understand that it’s difficult to be a victim. We sympathize with victims and understand that when they report a crime, they will probably have to relive the incident.
“We are also aware that most people are novices when dealing with the police. Part of our job is assisting people who may have never been involved with the legal system before. The procedures we use are designed to shepherd victims as they begin the process of bringing offenders to justice and start to heal from the harm that was inflicted.”
A Sympathetic Response
SMPD offers alternatives to the 9-1-1 phone call to ameliorate the initial discomfort of summoning law enforcement. “We have multiple reporting options,” says SMPD Neighborhood Resource Officer David Wang. “Some are anonymous, online over the phone, and through social media.
Officer David Wang of the Santa Monica Police Department
“Our department is active and transparent on social media, because we always encourage people to contact us for assistance. We have specialized professional staff and civilian staff available to help. They also help us become more aware of the types of hate crimes and hate incidents in our community.”
But what constitutes a hate crime? “Hate crimes target individuals because of a protected characteristic, such as their race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or beliefs,” Lt. Aklufi explains. “We encourage people to inform us if they want someone to just come down and give advice on a conflict that might be escalating. While we can intervene directly only in circumstances that involve criminal acts, we can offer guidance on how to get a restraining order or obtain public services.”
Officer Wang elaborates, “When you call the police, we’re going to show up. We’ll be professional as we obtain all the facts before we refer you to a detective.” A person who experiences a criminal act must be committed to assisting the police. “Victims are responsible for following through when they report a crime, to be truthful, and cooperate with the entire process.”
He says that a criminal case may be referred to the county district attorney. “It might entail showing up in court. Felonies are handled by the Los Angeles County District Attorney. The beauty of Santa Monica is we have our own City Attorney to handle misdemeanor cases. Any cases rejected by the DA can be picked up by the City Attorney.”
To Report or Not to Report?
Lt. Aklufi is sensitive to the personal sacrifices of victims when they report a crime. “While they might gain personal strength by coming forward and can heal better once they get the offender off the street, we also understand that they can feel ‘revictimized’ if they report a crime.”
For victims who report crimes, Lt. Aklufi reiterates the full support of the police department and its partners. “It’s daunting at the beginning, but there are people along the way who will help them. We’ll get the information we need to develop a strong case, and we’ll make sure they are safe. We’re here to alleviate the fears of what might happen down the line.”
The police force focuses on law enforcement, but that doesn’t preclude them from offering immediate support in a crisis. “We cannot provide support services, but we can be a bridge to social services within the community. We will provide transportation to a shelter in cases of domestic violence and to local hospitals to treat injuries.”
To increase our visibility, we’re active in neighborhood watch groups, hold a National Night Out, and have regular Coffees with a Cop.”
A Mutually Beneficial Partnership
Police departments like Santa Monica’s invest time and resources in maintaining an active, nonthreatening presence in the community. “I should not be an unfamiliar face in the neighborhood,” says Officer Wang. “To increase our visibility, we’re active in neighborhood watch groups, hold a National Night Out, and have regular Coffees with a Cop. We provide safety information at all our events because education mitigates the risks of assaults.
“I like to engage residents in the technical aspects of law enforcement that are likely to pique their curiosity. For instance, we discuss crime stats and crime trends at meetings.” The seemingly esoteric details have a purpose. He concludes, “The best way to cultivate awareness is through education.”
If the past has anything in common with the future, Fil-Ams and fellow Pacific Islanders and Asians will face festering resentments and open animosities. Police officers take their oath to preserve the peace seriously. It’s important to cooperate with them as early as possible so they can intervene before threats lead to violence. A good place to start an effective safety partnership is at a community meeting sponsored by your local precinct.
Positively Filipino acknowledges that it’s premature to assume that America is entering the AAPI Hate 2.0 era, but vigilance is vital. With support from the State of California, our online publication has focused attention on relevant aspects of the anti-AAPI hate movement. Staff Correspondent Anthony Maddela has constructed pathways between the Fil-Am community and police departments and legal professionals to keep our community safe. He observes a sincere commitment by police officers to prevent violence against Filipinos and other members of the AAPI community.
Anthony Maddela lives with his family in Los Angeles. He thinks this is the best time ever to interview and tell the stories of fellow Filipinos.
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