Racial hatred
Racial hatred is unacceptable. Everyone has the right to feel safe wherever they are or wherever they live. Leicestershire Constabulary is committed to doing everything possible to prevent such incidents and bring the offenders to justice.
What is a racist incident?
It is any incident that is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person.
It means exactly what it says. If anyone says it is a racist incident, then it is!
What will happen when I contact the police?
However the police are contacted you will be asked to give your name and address. Remember to stay calm and speak clearly.
- Give as much detail as you can.
- All incidents of racial hatred will be dealt with promptly, effectively, sensitively and courteously.
- A police officer will come and speak to you.
- The officer will provide reassurance, secure evidence and provide crime prevention advice where appropriate.
- An investigating officer will be appointed and you will be told who that officer is.
The more information that you can supply, the better the chances are of catching the culprits.
What support can I expect?
Leicestershire Constabulary will endeavour to
- Maintain contact with the victims of racial hatred until we are satisfied they no longer need our support.
- Ensure that where persons affected by racial hatred are required to attend court as witnesses, they receive support necessary.
- Enlist the help of other agencies to support you.
Don’t suffer in silence. Racial hatred can be stopped!
Racial hatred and the law
If you have been a victim of racial hatred, which can include abuse, harassment or violence, you need not tolerate it. Examples of such hatred are:
Physical attack Any attack can be a criminal offence even if it leaves no injury, for example throwing a stone, spitting or pushing.
Bruising or a minor fracture could be classified as actual bodily harm.
A more serious injury, for example broken bones or serious internal injuries, could be classified as grievous bodily harm. This is a serious offence that should not go unreported.
Verbal or written abuse If someone uses racially abusive words to you or displays any racially offensive writing that causes you harassment, alarm or distress, they may be committing an offence.
Damage to your property This could include for example, graffiti, scratches and dents on the bodywork of your car, damage to the doors and windows of your house, rips in your clothing or stains left by substances put through your letterbox or thrown at doors. If someone damages your property either intentionally or because they were reckless, they may be guilty of an offence unless they have a lawful excuse.
Offensive phone calls or mail If someone makes a racially offensive phone call to you or persistently phones you to cause anxiety or annoyance, they may be committing an offence. It may also be an offence to send an object, which is offensive or threatening through the post.
Please note that the above examples may also apply to religious or faith abuse, harassment or violence. It is important to report racial hatred or faith or religious abuse. Remember, your silence could mean that the offender gets away with it and may strike again.
