In a significant development concerning law enforcement protocols in the UK, police leaders, led by College of Policing chair Lord Herbert, are expected to recommend the abolition of non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) in an imminent review. This recommendation comes on the heels of growing concerns about the current handling of such incidents, which are characterized as actions motivated by hostility or prejudice towards individuals based on specific attributes, such as race or sexual orientation, yet do not qualify as criminal offenses.
Currently, under Home Office guidelines, NCHIs are recorded to compile statistics aimed at preventing these incidents from escalating into serious crimes. However, there has been significant critique regarding this practice. Critics argue that the recording of NCHIs draws valuable police resources away from pressing public safety issues, impinging upon freedoms of speech and expression. As these incidents remain on official police records, they can surface during background checks, raising questions about their long-term impact on individuals flagged for such incidents.
The proposed shift in police policy prioritizes a “sensible” approach that Lord Herbert describes as necessary to recalibrate the police response to societal changes, particularly in the age of social media. He highlights that the explosion of online interactions has led to law enforcement agencies becoming entangled in minor online disputes, suggesting that officers should not be tasked with monitoring social media exchanges. In his comments to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he emphasized that the perception of police overreach into community matters that do not merit such scrutiny is problematic for public trust in law enforcement.
At present, NCHIs are still logged, but police organizations are increasingly recognizing the need for a reassessment of their approach. It is noted that NCHIs were first instituted following a recommendation from the inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a victim of a racially motivated attack in 1993. However, the context has drastically changed over the years, necessitating a reevaluation of the relevance and practicality of recording such incidents today.
The decision regarding whether to implement these recommendations ultimately lies with the Home Secretary, whose office has expressed support for a balanced approach that safeguards free speech while also ensuring public safety. The National Police Chiefs’ Council’s vice-chair, Rachel Swann, echoed this sentiment, noting that the police have no function in mediating social media discussions on cultural topics. She affirmed the importance of allowing police to focus on tangible risks and threats in their community.
Recent statistics indicate the gravity of the current situation, with reports revealing that 43 police forces across England and Wales logged over 133,000 NCHIs since 2014. In recognition of the growing criticisms surrounding the handling of these incidents, the Metropolitan Police recently declared its intent to cease investigations into NCHIs, redirecting officers’ attention to offenses that cross the threshold into criminality.
Discussions surrounding NCHIs have gained political traction, especially with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch publicly advocating for their removal, asserting that policing efforts should not be wasted on ideological pursuits. As the review approaches, the landscape surrounding NCHIs suggests a momentous shift in how the UK policing framework may evolve, aiming for a more focused approach that prioritizes the safety and well-being of communities over abstract disputes. This potential reform signals a turning point in law enforcement’s engagement with issues of hate and prejudice, aligning with contemporary societal views and expectations about safeguarding freedoms while addressing public safety concerns.
