DOJ Launches Website to Report Hate Crimes - Will It Help Prevent Attacks?

What’s the story?

• The Justice Department announced on Monday that it's created a “one-stop portal” website for local law enforcement and the public to report hate crimes to federal officials.
• Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein made these remarks in the wake of Saturday’s mass shooting that left 11 people dead at a Pittsburgh synagogue. The gunman – who targeted Jews - is charged with hate crimes, among other offenses.
• "The tragic attack on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue just two days ago serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect all Americans against hate crimes," Rosenstein said. "In mourning today, we also rededicate ourselves to our commitment to preventing hate crimes."
• Rosenstein also announced that the National Institute of Justice is funding new research on the origins, policing, and reporting of hate crimes.
• “Simply because hate crimes are not reported does not mean they are not happening,” Rosenstein said.

“Together we can find ways to improve reporting of hate crimes that will allow us to more effectively target our resources to where they are most needed.”

What’s the reaction?

• “The idea of identifying hate mongers is not a bad idea, but it certainly is not going to do anything to stop the most serious cases like the high-profile, horrendous attacks we sometimes see in this country,” Jack Levin, who specializes in hate crime research at Northeastern University, told the right-leaning Washington Times. “And certainly not going to happen because of a website.”
• But Justice Department officials said the website will be used in conjunction with other work.
• “Individuals should be able to live their lives free from the threat of violence and discrimination, no matter who they are, what they believe, or how they worship,” Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore said in a statement.

“We will continue to prioritize our work bringing perpetrators of hate crimes to justice throughout the country.”

What do you think?

Will a hate-crime reporting website help prevent events like Saturday’s massacre? What do you think would curb the rise in hate crimes? Take action above, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman