'Scrapping non-crime hate incidents could free thousands of police hours'

7 January 2026

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Luke Mitchell has given qualified support to reports non-crime hate incidents could be scrapped.

Luke said it could free up police time, but stressed that hate crime would be 'investigated fully'.

The recommendation is expected to be made following a review by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing.

Non-crime hate incidents are alleged acts motivated by hostility or prejudice towards certain characteristics, such as race or gender.

And while they do not meet the threshold of a criminal offence, they are recorded.

Criminal offence

The expected changes have been widely reported in media outlets, and would mean the recording of only the most serious incidents.

Luke emphasised the importance of tackling hate crime, but welcomed efforts to reduce bureaucracy.

He said: “I used to work in the hate crime environment. Hate crime is a very important area of policing, increasing trust and confidence in groups that previously may have been under supported by police.

“It’s important the public understands if a crime has been reported that meets current legislation it will be investigated fully. Victims and witnesses will be supported.

“However, where a crime hasn’t occurred, and a person feels it’s because of a protected characteristic, it won’t be recorded or investigated.

Victims

“Previously, police would investigate these matters when we had no powers to enforce something. This would raise people's expectation with officers playing the middle person.

“A change will allow us to focus on victims of crimes better by freeing up thousands of police hours.”

Luke said that Hertfordshire Police has a number of officers who are focused on hate crimes.

“Likewise, we have community engagement officers, neighbourhood police team PCSOs and officers that support and listen to the public and those more hard to reach groups in our community.”

The review and its recommendations are due to be given to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and published early this year.

READ MORE: Herts detective receives King's Police Medal.