leahortez86: Probe into hate crime detection

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Probe into hate crime detection

POLICE have launched an inquiry into low detection rates in Notts for hate crime against disabled people .

In 2010, there were 32 criminal cases of hate crime against the disabled. And in only eight of these were the perpetrators dealt with by law – a detection rate of just 25 per cent.

This compares with detection rates of 35-45 per cent for other types of hate crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Scarrott has called for a review into this type of crime to make sure standards are being maintained.

He said: "Even one incident of this nature is one too many.

"We know that, as with almost all hate crimes, under-reporting is a significant issue across the country.

"I'm not satisfied with the levels of detections and have asked for a review of all the investigations into disability hate crime in the last quarter to ensure we are delivering the highest standards at all times.

"We have also introduced diversity champions and hate crime leads who have been tasked with examining why detection rates are lower than for other areas of hate crime. In addition, local officers have been told to ensure we are not a 'hard to reach' organisation for disabled people and to make specific contact with victims and community groups.

"Disability hate crime is one of our priorities and we are working closely with our partners at Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Stop Hate UK to improve the service we deliver to the disabled community and encourage them to report incidents to us."

Disability hate crime involves people persecuting and discriminating against a person because of their disability.

Professor Simon Holdaway raised the issue at a recent meeting of the county police authority, of which he is a member.

He said: "More work needs to be carried to find out why detection levels are low, and what can be done about it.

"This is a very pernicious kind of crime and it needs to be wiped out."