Calls Grow to Overhaul Police Recording of Non-Crime Hate Incidents

Critics argue the system diverts police resources from serious crimes and infringes on free speech, while supporters see it as a tool for monitoring community tensions.

Non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) are recorded by police based on perceived prejudice, even without evidence or a crime being committed, leading to inconsistent outcomes across forces.
A Policy Exchange report estimates that police spend 60,000 hours annually on NCHIs, which critics say detracts from addressing serious crimes such as violence and burglary.
Prominent figures, including former police chiefs, have called for a review or abolition of NCHIs, citing their subjective nature and potential to hinder freedom of expression and employment opportunities through background checks.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper supports revising the guidelines to ensure consistency and focus on serious threats like antisemitism and Islamophobia, while balancing free speech protections.
The system’s origins trace back to the Stephen Lawrence inquiry in 1999, but critics argue it has expanded beyond its intended purpose, with some incidents perceived as trivial or misapplied by police.