The Los Angeles Police Department is stepping up its game in the world of digital reporting, introducing a new way for Angelenos to report hate incidents from the comfort of their screens. LAPD's Community Online Reporting Service (CORS), which first made its appearance in 2016, has made a significant expansion to include hate incidents among the list of crimes that can be reported online.
Initially starting with a humble 1,300 reports filed in its inaugural year, the CORS system has come a long way, allowing citizens to quickly file reports on a variety of issues—now to include the often underreported hate incidents. The department has seen the number of reports submitted through CORS swell to over 131,000 in 2023 alone. This new feature went live on January 1, 2024, aiming to offer a more immediate and readily available reporting option for individuals who experience or witness hate-related offenses.
Once a report is filed via CORS, the process is designed to be user-friendly, with an immediate auto-reply e-mail sent to the Reporting Party. As outlined by LAPD's announcement, this confirmation contains a tracking/incident number and provides a link to a Hate Incident Resource Pamphlet, ensuring that individuals have immediate access to information and support.
With the update taking place at the turn of the new year, LAPD is aiming to encourage not only the act of reporting hate incidents but to also foster a sense of communion and support within the fabric of the community. It's a move to further empower residents, opening up a new avenue to more effectively communicate these serious concerns. For those looking to make use of the updated CORS system, all it takes is a visit to LAPD’s official website where a list of reportable incidents is clearly defined.
