Supporting Hate Crime Victims
Dyfed Powys Police now has specially trained officers to deal with hate crime victims.
A Hate Crime Pilot Scheme has been operating in Powys and proved so valuable it has now been spread throughout the force.
Around 50 officers have received additional training so they can provide advice and guidance to officers dealing with and victims of hate crime. These officers are also trained to provide additional support to hate crime victims and to identify measures to reduce the likelihood of the victim becoming a repeat offender.
The training undertaken included members of minority communities talking to the officers about their own experiences.
Chief Inspector Nigel George, Communities & Partnerships Dept said: “The aim of the scheme is to enhance the Force’s operational response to Hate Crime and thereby delivering a top quality service"
“The Hate Crime Support Officers (HCSO) will ensure that the police response meets a consistently high quality standard as well as facilitating other agencies help and involvement."
“The detection of racially aggravated offences also increased to 83 per cent.”
Rhian Glynn, Hate Crime Community Engagement Officer, said: “Victims of hate incidences often find it difficult to report it to us. Dyfed Powys Police take all reports of Hate Incidents seriously and I urge all victims not to suffer in silence.”
Original Post:-
http://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/news/2009/4/5/
