Police tour county during Hate Crime Awareness Week

This Hate Crime Awareness Week, 10-17 October, Hertfordshire Constabulary has joined forces with an award-winning local charity to tour the county raising awareness of hate crime.

Working with a variety of partners, officers will be joining Electric Umbrella, whose mission is to create a truly inclusive society, visiting schools, colleges, town centres and places of worship to spread the message that no one should be targeted by hate because of who they are.

Chief Constable Andy Prophet, who recently became an ambassador for Electric Umbrella, said: ‘This Hate Crime Awareness Week I am delighted that we are joining Electric Umbrella and their yellow bus to tour the county spreading the message that hate crime will not be tolerated in Hertfordshire.

‘No one should become a victim of crime because of who they are and we support Electric Umbrella in their mission to create a truly inclusive society.

‘You can expect to see my officers and staff at various locations across the county this week sharing information about hate crime so please take the opportunity to stop and speak to them.

‘While this week is about putting the spotlight on hate crime, our work to tackle it continues throughout the year and we are committed to working effectively with partners and the communities we serve to ensure we protect people and bring perpetrators to justice.’

Mel Boda, Co-Founder and CEO of Electric Umbrella, said: ‘Last year, our partnership with Hertfordshire Constabulary took our message, It’s Not a Crime to Be Different, all the way to 10 Downing Street. This year, we’re taking it directly into communities across Hertfordshire.

‘Music has an incredible ability to bring people together, challenge perceptions and start conversations that might otherwise never happen. By putting learning disabled people at the heart of this campaign, we’re not just raising awareness of hate crime, we’re helping to change the attitudes that allow it to happen.

‘We want everyone, particularly young people, to understand that difference is something to celebrate, not fear. I’d encourage everyone to take a few minutes to watch our campaign music video, and schools across the county to explore our free education resources. Hate Crime Awareness Week is an important moment, but changing attitudes is something we can all contribute to throughout the year.’

During this important week, Hertfordshire Constabulary is also working with partners from the county’s Community Safety Partnership to host a Hate Crime Awareness Day. Today’s (Tuesday 13 October) interactive event, where the new Hertfordshire Hate Crime Strategy will be officially launched, includes guest speakers who will share more information about hate crime, the work taking place to tackle it and the support available to victims.

County Community Safety Unit Programme Manager Kate Moore said: ‘We are really pleased to welcome members of the community and voluntary groups alongside the Hate Crime Partnership Board members and Electric Umbrella. We hope that this day is informative and helps to encourage victims to report and access victim support as required.’

While Hertfordshire is generally a safe and tolerant place, sadly like other areas hate crimes do occur and many of them go unreported to police.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has dedicated Hate Crime Officers who, through work with their partners, can offer specialist support to victims.

Those who do not feel comfortable reporting directly to police, can use one of the many third-party reporting centres. These are based within community centres, places of worship, educational facilities and other locations. Representatives at these centres have been specially trained and can support anonymity. Alternatively, you can also report via the True Vision website.

All reports will be investigated fully, and you will be treated with respect and sensitivity.

Why report hate crime?

Hate Crime Sergeant Karl Diggins said: ‘Hate crimes can leave people feeling unsafe or scared to go out and can leave communities feeling vulnerable so it is important that they are reported so that action can be taken.

‘Anyone who reports a hate crime, or any crime in Hertfordshire, will be listened to and treated sensitively.

‘We know, for a variety of reasons, not everyone will want to speak to directly to police and that is why we have third-party reporting centres who can also support anonymity.’ For more information see the Herts Against Hate website.

More about Electric Umbrella

Electric Umbrella’s It’s Not a Crime to Be Different campaign includes an original song and music video, alongside free Hate Crime Awareness education resources for Upper KS2, KS3 and KS4. Featuring ready-made presentations, discussion prompts and videos from people with lived experience, the resources help schools explore prejudice, discrimination and the impact of hate crime throughout the year. Watch the video and access the free resources at electricumbrella.org.uk.

Pictured: Chief Constable Andy Prophet with constabulary Hate Crime Officers, the Electric Umbrella team including Head of Education Claire Boulter and their big yellow bus