Reference no: EM133472490
Assignment:
Hate/Bias crimes seriously threaten our democratic society, which is built on the strength of its diversity. These crimes represent a particularly heinous form of physical and/or verbal violence, in which thousands of Americans are victimized each year because of their skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Growing concern exists around the country, in communities large and small, urban, suburban, and rural, about the prevalence of bias crimes. Crimes such as these, striking at the heart of our country's democratic principles, threaten the very foundation of our society. Swift and effective investigation, prosecution, and response to the victims of these crimes is critical for developing and maintaining respect for and appreciation of the growing diversity of our country's citizens.
As first responders, law enforcement officers interact with victims of crime on a daily basis. Unfortunately, this massive amount of exposure sometimes leads to officers dismissing the effects felt by victims who experience minor crimes, such as assaults or vandalism resulting in minor injuries or property damage. The impacts of a crime on the victim are compounded when the motive is based on hate; hate crime victims often fear doing the basic things in life.
Watch the video titled, Understanding The Threat: The Rise of the Lone Wolf (****sensitive in nature) authored by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
- Why are Lone Wolves so dangerous in our society?
- What role does the internet/social media play in encouraging hate crimes on the part of Lone Wolves?
- Why are hate crimes considered "message crimes"? How does this aspect of a hate crime impact the victim, the group to which the victim belongs, or the community as a whole?
- Many people are reluctant to report hate crimes; why do you think that is?
- Does law enforcement have a positive working relationship with minority groups in your community, or is there a need for community leaders to serve as liaisons, speaking up for them and sharing information about incidents?
- What can police do to make it easier for people to report crimes or bias incidents?
The Rise of the Lone Wolf (**Very Sensitive in Nature)