A controversial topic is causing a stir in England and Wales: the police are investigating children for harmless insults! Yes, you heard that right! A recent study shows that even children are being targeted by the police because of the names they call each other. What is behind these so-called “Non-Crime Hate Incidents” (NCHI)?
Last month, British journalist Allison Pearson made headlines when she reported that police had rung her doorbell. The reason? A post on X that she wrote a year ago about former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. On November 12, she stated that she was being investigated for an NCHI. However, police disagreed and claimed it was a possible offense of inciting racial hatred. But just a few days later the investigation was closed. What a fuss!
Have there been any hate incidents that are not crimes?
The police have had a legal obligation to document NCHIs since June 2023. But what exactly is that? According to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, these are acts that are “apparently motivated by deliberate hostility or prejudice towards people with certain characteristics”. These characteristics may include race, religion, sexuality, disability or gender identity. West Yorkshire Police lists examples such as verbal harassment, bullying in schools or workplaces and handing out offensive leaflets.
But the practice is hotly debated! Critics argue that NCHI's recordings restrict freedom of expression and distract police from important tasks. A Times report revealed that even a nine-year-old boy who called a classmate a “retard” was registered as an NCHI. Is this really the right way?
The controversies surrounding NCHIs
Complaints about NCHIs have skyrocketed recently. Over 13,200 NCHIs were registered last year, according to an analysis of 45 of the UK's 48 police forces. Remember: That means more than 60,000 police hours are spent on these incidents every year! Nick Herbert, chairman of the College of Policing, described NCHIs' recordings as an “obstacle” for police. “We want the police to identify damage and risks,” he said. But instead she is distracted with controversial categories.
On the other hand, there are voices that emphasize the need to monitor NCHIs. They argue that such incidents could be an indicator of potentially escalating hateful behavior. Danny Stone, chief executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, highlights that reporting on NCHIs has a positive impact on police and communities. A tragic 2007 case in which a mother and her severely disabled daughter commit juvenile suicide after years of harassment is often cited as an example to understand the importance of NCHIs.
The debate over NCHIs is a hot topic in British society. While some call for this practice to be abolished, others see it as necessary to identify and prevent potential hatred. The question remains: Where do we draw the line between freedom of expression and protection from hatred? The discussion is in full swing and opinions are divided!
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