A Senior Officer States that Police Must Investigate Non-Crime Hate Incidents to Identify ‘Precursors to Violence’
Gavin Stephens emphasized that unchecked online hate, as seen during the summer riots, can have a detrimental impact on communities.
Police must investigate non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) to identify potential precursors to violence, according to the chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).
Speaking at a major policing conference in Westminster, Gavin Stephens highlighted the significant harm that online hate can cause to communities if not addressed.
Stephens stated, “Hate, whether online or in person, if left unaddressed, has consequences in the real world.
The issue of police investigating NCHIs gained attention after Essex Police visited Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson regarding a year-old deleted social media post on X.
The force visited Pearson to set up an interview over an allegation of potential incitement to racial hatred.
‘Hate’ and the Role of State
Stephens continued during the partnership summit hosted by NPCC and APCC, emphasizing the importance of policing to investigate crime properly and respond to allegations.
He stressed the need not to overlook signs of violence escalation to prevent severe consequences.
Discussing the role of the state in hate crimes, Stephens compared it to the state’s involvement in issues like child abuse and domestic abuse.
He noted the ongoing debate on the role of the state regarding hate crimes.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, at the same conference, called for a sensible and consistent approach by officers in handling NCHIs.
Trespassing on Free Speech
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp advocated for the rewriting of guidelines around non-crime hate incidents on the second day of the APCC-NPCC conference.
Philp urged officers to focus on preventing and investigating crimes rather than delving into NCHIs unless there is a real risk of imminent criminality.
He emphasized that offensive speech should not be equated with illegal speech.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp arriving at the Treasury office in central London, on Sept. 7, 2022. Daniel Leal/AFP via Getty Images
Police Recording Too Many NCHIs
An NCHI involves reporting perceived hate incidents to police even if they do not constitute a crime.
Introduced after the 1999 Stephen Lawrence inquiry, NCHIs aim to report and record racist incidents and crimes.
The report highlighted instances where police recorded incidents that should not have been considered NCHIs.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke expressed concern about officers’ actions conflicting with common sense and urged a more discerning approach.
MP’s Non-Crime Hate Incident
Former Conservative Home Secretary Suella Braverman commissioned a report into policing impartiality following controversies around policing social media disputes.
The NCHI related to comments about the Green Party and a transgender candidate in a post on X. After a challenge from the Free Speech Union, police reviewed and removed the incident from their records.
PA Media and Rachel Roberts contributed to this report.
