Humberside police respond to HMIC report into Hate Crime Policing

It's claimed police forces in England and Wales are failing victims of hate crime.

The issue is meant to be a priority and officers aim to respond to reports within one hour.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary discovered the average response time is 24 hours - and in some cases it can be five days

Humberside police have responded to the findings.

Adil Khan, Head of Community Safety and the lead for Hate Crime said:

“Hate crimes and hate incidents are extremely personal in nature and target the very core of people’s identity.

“Our message to victims of hate crime is simple – being you is not a crime. Targeting you is.

“Our priority is to support and protect vulnerable victims and we have a dedicated team of officers who work with minority communities across the force to reassure them that hate crime is illegal and should not be something they simply put up with.

“This continued work has seen an increase in the number of incidents that are reported to us and whilst it’s disappointing that incidents have increased, we’re pleased that those victims are now confident enough to come forward.

“This is something we are building on, as we know nationally that only a fraction of hate crimes are ever officially reported and this has to change.

“In light of this, we have been training up more people and organisations to act as third party reporting centres, which has also led to more information being reported to us. We also provide specialist training to our staff within the Hub to ensure they are able to identify victims of hate crime at the first point of contact and to ensure they are provided with the appropriate response and support.

“Where we identify a hate crime which requires an immediate response - perhaps because a victim is vulnerable or there is an imminent threat - we will send our officers as a priority. Sometimes, though, depending on the nature of the offence being reported and the victim’s wishes, it can be dealt with in slower time. Whatever the appropriate response, victims can be assured that their reports are always recorded, noted as a hate incident and thoroughly investigated. We have a good understanding of patterns of offending in our communities and are able to identify repeat victims and offenders.

“We meet on a monthly basis with other relevant partner agencies, such as housing, council, Anti Social Behaviour Teams, Victim Support, Citizens Advice, and community cohesion officers so that we are able to put wrap around services in place for victims. We provide them with a dedicated officer as a single point of contact, offering the reassurance that someone understands and is dealing with their particular case.

“But it’s not just about the victims. We also work with offenders to educate them about other cultures and lifestyles as their actions are often rooted in misinformation or lack of understanding.

“The Humberside community is changing and becoming more and more diverse. What we would say to all of our communities is that we urge you to come forward if you are being targeted because of who you are. Don’t suffer in silence, come forward and speak to us. Call us on 101 or if lives are in danger, call 999.