Nick Herbert, chairman of the College of Policing and a member of the House of Lords, has voiced strong criticism of the practice of recording “non-crime hate incidents” (NCHIs).
These incidents, often defined as behavior “perceived” to stem from hostility or prejudice but falling short of criminality, have drawn increasing scrutiny for diverting police resources. Herbert suggested that it might be time to scrap the system altogether, calling it a “distraction” from serious policing priorities.
Speaking to The Times, Herbert emphasized the need for a practical approach. “We need to prevent harm, ensure minorities are protected, and be alive to things like antisemitism,” he said. However, he warned that officers should avoid being drawn into trivial matters. He argued for a commonsense stance, where police could tell complainants, “We’re sorry, we can understand you find that offensive, but it’s not a matter for us.”
The numbers are eye-opening: over 13,200 NCHIs were recorded in the past year alone, even as violent and serious crimes remain pressing. Some recorded incidents are startling in their triviality, including children making jokes about a classmate’s smell or soiled underwear hanging on a washing line. Meanwhile, forces have asked officers to handle high-stakes cases, such as child abuse and sexual offences, from home due to resource constraints.
Critics argue that NCHIs undermine public confidence in policing. Herbert’s comments come as other high-ranking figures, including a former Metropolitan Police commissioner, urge a rethink of the policy. The controversy has grown, particularly after police questioned a journalist over an old social media post on Remembrance Sunday.
Despite widespread criticism, Labour, under Keir Starmer’s leadership, appears poised to expand the recording of NCHIs. This has sparked backlash from groups like the Free Speech Union, which has threatened legal action over what it sees as a chilling effect on free expression.
Public frustration with police priorities is mounting, especially as violent crimes continue to make headlines. Just this past weekend, a triple shooting in London claimed one life and injured two others, while a stolen Porsche in a hit-and-run killed a two-year-old boy. Critics argue these are the kinds of crimes the police should focus on, rather than “non-events.”
While Herbert stopped short of outright condemning the practice, his suggestion to scrap it reflects growing dissatisfaction with what many see as misplaced priorities in UK law enforcement.
