Is this finally the end of non-crime hate incidents? |
Roll up for a Christmas surprise on the policing front. According to a leak from the College of Policing to the Telegraph, since confirmed by its chairman and in all likelihood condoned by a government desperate for an upbeat Christmas message, non-crime hate incidents are finally to go. Next month the College and the National Police Chiefs’ Council will formally announce a move to a more selective, and less intrusive, practice. Recording will be limited to a much smaller category indicating clear risks of harm or threats to particular communities, such as anti-Semitism.
There is something deeply sinister about the state formally recording that a citizen has said something entirely lawful of which the state disapproves
To remind you, non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) involve statements or writings by individuals that do not themselves amount to crimes but are seen as signs of animus on the basis of race, sex, religion or a number of other characteristics. Under the present system they are formally added to individuals’ criminal records, may be made the subject of police visits, and appear on the enhanced work checks........