Hotline Opened to Aid Korean Victims of Police Misconduct
Responding to a controversial arrest, a community group has opened a hotline and free legal clinic to help Korean-speaking victims of police mistreatment.
Many monolingual immigrants do not publicly challenge police misconduct because it only means more frustration and humiliation, said K.S. Park, a staff attorney with Korean Immigrant Workers Advocates.
The program, which began Thursday, was prompted by the arrest and detention of Korean immigrant Dong-Sik Chong, 81. Chong, who does not speak English and is hard of hearing, got lost Dec. 28 while taking a walk in Koreatown. He was arrested after he banged on the wrong gate, mistaking it for his own.
After authorities released him in a high-crime area, Chong was beaten and robbed.
On Tuesday, Police Chief Willie L. Williams, responding to demands by a multiethnic coalition of community groups, said the Internal Affairs office will probe the case.
KIWA’s legal service hotline is: (213) 738-1833.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
