Should Police Leaders Scrap Non-Crime Hate Incidents?

The upcoming review by police leaders is set to recommend the scrapping of non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs), a move aimed at refocusing police resources on more serious offences. NCHIs, which are acts motivated by hostility or prejudice but do not meet the threshold for criminality, have faced criticism for diverting police attention and infringing on free speech. The proposed changes, led by the College of Policing's chair Lord Herbert, reflect a response to the challenges posed by social media and the need for a more sensible policing approach.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Police leaders are poised to recommend significant changes to how non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) are handled in the UK. This recommendation will be part of a review set to be released next month, and it aims to recalibrate the police response to social media-related issues. The chair of the College of Policing, Lord Herbert, has emphasised the need for a "sensible" approach that prioritises serious incidents over minor disputes often exacerbated by social media interactions.

Key takeaways

The review proposes scrapping NCHIs to focus police resources on more serious offences.
NCHIs are currently recorded but do not constitute criminal behaviour.
The Home Secretary will have the final say on the implementation of these recommendations.

Timeline: how we got here

The discussion around non-crime hate incidents has evolved significantly over the years. Here’s a brief timeline of key events:

1993: Stephen Lawrence, a Black teenager, is murdered in a racially motivated attack. This tragedy prompts a public inquiry into police handling of race issues.
2005: Following the inquiry's recommendations, guidance on the recording of NCHIs is introduced.
2014: Increased reporting of NCHIs, with various police forces recording a significant number each year.
October 2022: The Metropolitan Police announces it will cease investigations into NCHIs, allowing officers to focus on serious criminal cases.
April 2023: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calls for the scrapping of NCHIs, citing wasted resources.
November 2023: The College of Policing and National Police Chiefs' Council will publish their review recommendations.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions have highlighted the need to reassess how NCHIs are defined and recorded. Lord Herbert has suggested that only serious incidents should be recorded, indicating a shift towards a more focused approach that avoids the policing of social media disputes.

What was already established

The framework for recording NCHIs has been in place since 2005, primarily established to gather data on incidents that could escalate into serious crimes. Critics have argued that this approach has led to police overreach into areas that do not warrant law enforcement involvement.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The proposed changes could lead to a more streamlined police focus on serious crimes, potentially increasing public confidence in law enforcement. Households may experience a reduction in police engagement over minor disputes, allowing for more resources to be allocated to serious issues affecting community safety.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, particularly those in sectors that deal with social media and public relations, a clearer distinction between criminal and non-criminal hate incidents may reduce the burden of compliance with police reporting requirements. This could enable businesses to allocate resources more effectively, focusing on genuine threats rather than minor disputes.

Policy and regulation

The Home Secretary's decision will be pivotal in shaping future policing strategies. If the recommendations are adopted, it could lead to a significant overhaul of guidance regarding NCHIs, influencing how incidents are recorded and responded to across the country.

Numbers that matter

More than 133,000 NCHIs have been recorded across 43 police forces in England and Wales since 2014.
In 2022, the Metropolitan Police ceased investigations into NCHIs, affecting a significant number of cases previously reported.
As of the latest statistics, NCHIs remain on police records and can appear in background checks, impacting individuals' lives beyond the initial reporting.

Definitions and jargon buster

Non-Crime Hate Incidents (NCHIs): Alleged acts motivated by hostility or prejudice that do not meet the legal threshold for criminal offences.
Home Office: The UK government department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order.
College of Policing: The professional body for policing in England and Wales, which sets standards and provides guidance for police forces.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the review is finalised, stakeholders including police forces, community groups, and legal experts will likely begin to weigh in on the recommendations. This period will be crucial for gathering public opinion and input from various sectors.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If adopted, the implications of the new guidance will unfold, with police forces required to adjust their reporting and response mechanisms accordingly. Training for officers on the new framework may also be implemented.

Signals to watch

Responses from the Home Secretary following the review's publication.
Public reactions and debates surrounding the implications of the proposed changes.
Changes in the number of reported incidents following the new guidelines.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the changes to NCHIs and how they may affect community policing.
Engage with local police to understand their focus areas and priorities.

Don’t

Don’t assume that all reported incidents will continue to receive police attention after the review.
Don’t overlook the importance of community dialogue regarding hate incidents and policing practices.

Checklist

Review current community safety measures in relation to hate incidents.
Understand how NCHIs may impact your rights and freedoms.
Engage with local advocacy groups for further insights.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the proposed changes aim to streamline police operations, there is a risk that they may inadvertently overlook genuine incidents of hate that do not meet the new threshold. Additionally, the impact of these changes on community relations and perceptions of safety remains uncertain. The outcome of the review will need to balance the need for effective policing with the protection of free speech and individual rights.

Bottom line

The recommendation to scrap non-crime hate incidents reflects a significant shift in policing philosophy, addressing concerns about resource allocation and the role of police in social media disputes. As discussions unfold, the implications for community safety and policing practices will be critical for the UK. Policymakers must ensure that any changes enhance public trust while adequately addressing the complexities of hate incidents in the digital age.

FAQs

What are non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs)?

NCHIs are alleged acts motivated by hostility or prejudice that do not qualify as criminal offences but can still be recorded by police forces.

Why are police leaders recommending the scrapping of NCHIs?

The recommendation aims to allow police to focus on more serious incidents and avoid being drawn into monitoring minor disputes exacerbated by social media.

What will happen next regarding the NCHIs review?

The Home Secretary will decide whether to adopt the recommendations made by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs' Council following the review in November.