"Non-crime hate incidents should stop being recorded by the police, the policing watchdog has said. Sir Andy Cooke, His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said current legislation places police in an "invidious position" with "discretion and common sense" not always prevailing. "I think we need to separate the offensive from the criminal," he added. The head of the Metropolitan Police, speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, agreed with Sir Andy's call"
"Non-crime hate incidents are alleged acts perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards people with certain characteristics, such as race or gender. They are recorded to collect data on "hate incidents that could escalate into more serious harm" but do not amount to a criminal offence, according to Home Office guidance. Police guidance on the recording of NCHIs was first published in 2005, following recommendations by an inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence."
Sir Andy Cooke, His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said current legislation places police in an 'invidious position' with 'discretion and common sense' not always prevailing. He said non-crime hate incidents should no longer be recorded and that intelligence could be gathered differently to cause less public concern and simplify recording. The head of the Metropolitan Police agreed, noting officers have 'limited' discretion and that 'we need more flexibility.' A police visit to columnist Allison Pearson over a social media post sparked public debate and Essex Police later clarified officers did not say the probe was a 'non-crime hate incident.' Non-crime hate incidents are perceived hostile acts recorded to flag incidents that could escalate but do not constitute criminal offences.
Read at www.bbc.com
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