Police in Seattle are apparently trying to head off coronavirus-related hate crimes and are now encouraging residents to call 911 if they hear "racist name-calling."
In a video released on Monday, Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best and former KING 5 reporter Lori Matsukawa said there was zero tolerance for hate crimes against Asian-Americans during the coronavirus crisis.
Best said in the video, "We will document and investigate every reported crime, even racist name-calling should be reported to police. We take this information very seriously."
She also admonished residents, "If you aren’t sure a hate crime occurred, call 911. We’re here to help and we’ll respond to investigate."