On the Site:

LOCAL NEWS

University Researchers Develop Hate Crime Reporting App

May 6, 2019, 1:44 PM | Updated: 1:44 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Earlier this year, the Utah Legislature passed the state’s first hate crime law, and now an app has been created to help report forms of hate crime in Utah. It’s quickly gaining traction.

The app, called Hate Incident Reporting System, was built by students and developed by researchers in the geography department of the University of Utah. Geography professor Richard Medina said the idea is to better track hate incidents in the community, which are notoriously under-reported.

“There are a lot of verbal incidents of hate that people experience the police don’t can’t record as hate crimes,” he said. “There are a lot of things like graffiti that are hate-based, but they don’t get recorded as much.”

Now with the Hate Incident Reporting System app, people have a resource to report all forms of hate from wherever they are — and it’s 100% anonymous.

Forms of hate can include actions taken against people because of their disability, gender identity, race or ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, among others.

To report an incident in the app, the user taps “report incident,” chooses the location of the incident, uploads a photo if relevant, adds details, adds contact information if desired, and then hits “submit.”

The app has taken about a year to develop and the goal is to record hate-based incidents, assist law enforcement and make the community aware.

“We hope … this gives people a voice to be able to at least say, ‘This happened to me,'” Medina said. “Just by having an entry in this database, it will be recorded. We hope the community gets a better sense of what’s going on there.”

So far there have been nearly 70 downloads and about 50 reports of hate incidents. The hope is that as more people get word of the app, the more hate crimes will be reported.

Currently no law enforcement agency is using the app, but some are looking at it. It is currently only available on Android, but an IOS app is in the works.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

The NTSB released a preliminary report on a Nov. 14 plane crash that killed two pilots and seriousl...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

Investigators release preliminary report on plane crash that killed 2 near Khyv Peak

The NTSB released a preliminary report on a Nov. 14 plane crash that killed two pilots and seriously injured a passenger near Khyv Peak in Provo.

37 minutes ago

(ATF Denver Field Division)...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Reward offered in Cedar City stolen firearms investigation

A reward is being offered in connection with a stolen firearms investigation in southern Utah.

4 hours ago

Kevin Franke and his attorneys walk into a conference room following a juvenile court hearing on Se...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Husband of YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke files for divorce

The husband of the popular "8 Passengers" YouTube channel vlogger has filed for divorce nearly three months after his wife Ruby Franke was charged with abusing their children.

7 hours ago

In the moment they feel like small purchases, right? An ornament here. A stocking stuffer there. A ...

Matt Gephardt

How you can avoid holiday debt despite the pressure to spend

In the moment they feel like small purchases, right? An ornament here. A stocking stuffer there. A last-minute office gift. But all this can quickly add up to a financial holiday hangover. And perhaps it’s one you’re still feeling from the last holiday season.

15 hours ago

The inversion as seen from Salt Lake City on Nov. 29, 2023. (Jack Grimm, KSL TV)...

Debbie Worthen and Mary Culbertson, KSL TV

Utah leaders face uphill battle on clean air before 2034 Olympic Games

Part of Utah's agreement with IOC requires clean air for the Olympic Games in 2034 if Salt Lake is to host. Leaders have ambitious plans for the next decade in attempt to make it happen.

15 hours ago

A picture of Powder, the official Olympic mascot in 2002, who was played by Heather Mickey, picture...

Mary Culbertson and Andrew Adams, KSL TV

2002 Olympic mascot reflects on her time as Powder after big announcement

An official Olympic mascot looks back on her time during the Games in 2002, and talks about what excites her for 2034.

15 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

University Researchers Develop Hate Crime Reporting App