The Multi Agency Hate Crime reporting form is completely victim focused and all reports are fully investigated, if this is the action that is requested by the victim. The Police will not investigate should the victim not choose this action. There are a number of follow-up services that are in place.
There are a growing number of venues where incidents can be reported. These include: Leisure centres; every Library in the borough; at every area housing office and various Council departments across Wigan and Leigh. You do not have to be a victim to report Hate incidents; you may be a witness and still wish to report incidents.
There is a Freephone service which gives details about where to report Hate Incidents and where to find support services for victims. The automated service gives information in ten different languages and is free to call.
Hate Crime Multi Language Information Line: 08000 191 456
Community and Race Relations Officer
This role within the police ‘Diversity and Partnership‘ unit is a dedicated link and support for those who suffer or fear hate crime.
This role monitors reports of hate crimes as well as monitoring themes and tensions that are reported through other agencies and support services - specific support and advice is offered to victims and their families. Training can also be given to other agencies and community groups about how to report hate crime as well as awareness training that focuses on the victim’s perspective and myth busting around hate crime issues.
Police Role
The police at Wigan and Leigh have a dedicated ‘Diversity and Partnership’ unit. One of roles of the unit is to work with other agencies, community and voluntary groups to build community relations and ensure that all persons particularly those from minority or vulnerable groups know how to and can access police services. Staff are available to offer one on one contact with victims or vulnerable persons as well as speaking with larger groups.
Links for public to voice views on policing
The police are keen to hear the views of members of the public as we recognize that without understanding our community we cannot support or police them. In March this year we launched our ‘Independent Advisory Group’ (IAG) – this group is made of members of the public who represent the diverse make-up of the Wigan borough and the groups role is to challenge us on our policies and strategies as well as offering us guidance on what is important to members of the public. This is a strategic group representing the borough and it can demand the attendance of senior officers to explain issues.
The borough has a township policing structure and each of our 5 townships are currently reviewing their community engagement strategies. This involves the establishment of Key individual networks (KINS) – which as suggested ensures we have networks at a local level made up of key local individuals who can work with the police to problem solve at their local level.
A report of hate crime receives priority attention by the police and perpetrators of hate crimes can be arrested. The police recognize that not all victims would wish to report to the police directly - for this reason 3rd party reporting is acceptable as well as completing the multi-agency hate crime reporting form that can be filled in remotely and forwarded through to the Community Safety Team. The hate crime reports received by the Community Safety Team will either be managed by the team or forwarded through to the police subject to what is requested by the person reporting.
If you wish to know more about the systems and initiatives that are in place to tackle hate crime or wish to speak confidentially then you can call the Hate Crime Co-ordinator.
On the 18th February 2008 the fourth annual Hate Crime Awareness Week will be held in Wigan & Leigh.
The week long event kicks off with the first North West Regional conference aimed at understanding and tackling Hate Crime. Please note that the conference is now fully booked.
