Police response to hate crime
Hate crimes are one of the police’s highest priorities. Currently, there are over 900 specialist hate crime investigators working in dedicated Community Safety and Safeguarding Units across London. These officers investigate and manage specific crimes, such as domestic abuse and honour based abuse, which often require specialist knowledge and understanding. In partnership with external agencies, they support the needs of victims, their families and their communities to make them safer and prevent re-victimisation.
Contacting the police
You can report an incident directly to the police by visiting your local police station or by phone. When you contact the police, you can ask to be interviewed at the police station, your home or some other place you have agreed on. For example, it may be possible for the police to interview you at the University - if they allow this. In any case, it’s generally advisable for someone else to come with you. For example, you can ask a friend or family member to accompany you.
Having someone contact the police on your behalf
If you don’t want to report the incident yourself, you can ask someone else to phone the police on your behalf, such as a friend or relative. You can also contact the university’s Care and Concern team to help you phone the police.
Providing contact details
It’s important to give as many details as possible, as this helps the police deal with your case more effectively. If you want the police to investigate the incident, you need to provide your contact details and the best time to contact you. You may be worried about the police contacting you at home. If this is the case, you can ask the police to contact you through someone you trust and who has agreed to provide their details. You still need to provide your contact details as well. The police take hate incidents very seriously and will record and investigate the allegation even if you do not give your details. The police will not pass on your details without your consent.
Giving a statement
Depending on what has happened, you may need to give a statement at a police station. When you contact the police it is useful to explain that you believe you have been a victim of hate crime so they can make sure you get the right support.
Keeping informed of progress
If you report a hate crime to the police, you will be given an incident log number and an officer will contact you to discuss what has happened. The officer who is dealing with the incident will keep you updated and make sure you know what is happening next.