The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office (SDCDA) and La Mesa Police Department (LMPD) are holding a “Hate Crime Forum Q&A Session” on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m.

The forum’s agenda is to share information regarding hate crimes and hate incidents.

SDCDA will provide a presentation about what elevates a hate incident to a hate crime and how the District Attorney’s Office prosecutes hate crime cases. LMPD will also share information about how they document, report, and investigate hate crimes and hate incidents.

“Increasing awareness is one method of preventing hate crimes and hate incidents, and our Hate Crime Forum is designed to do that. We stand united with our community and our law enforcement partners in addressing hate incidents and seeking justice for those who are victims of hate crimes,” said Katherine Lynch, Services Lieutenant at LMPD.

LMPD is looking forward to informing and assuring the public that it takes hate incidents and hate crimes very seriously. They are trying to bring the community together around this issue with their motto “working in partnership with our community.”

Mayor Mark Arapostathis also has a strong belief in LMPD doing their best.

“LMPD is committed to addressing hate crimes with utmost seriousness. They diligently document, report, and investigate such incidents, actively collaborating with the public to enhance awareness and prevent hate crimes. As a City, we fully endorse and support their dedicated efforts in fostering a safer community for all,” said Arapostathis. “Through this forum, the goal is to educate the public to instill confidence within the community to report any and all crimes to local law enforcement,” he added.

All residents and entrepreneurs in La Mesa are welcome to participate in the forum. There will be time for questions at the end of it. You can find more information at: cityoflamesa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1501.

The La Mesa Police Department is located at 8085 University Avenue.

(Image courtesy of cityoflamesa.us/)