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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Hate Incidents and Hate Crime, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Hate Crime Awareness Week is taking place from 10th to 17th October. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of hate crime, encourage people to report it and highlight the support available to those who experience it.
Hate crime can have a profound and lasting impact, not only on the individual victim but also on their families and the wider community. As your Police Service we are committed to tackling hate crime, protecting victims and working with our partners and communities to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place.
What is a hate crime?
A hate crime or hate incident is where a person or property is targeted because of hostility or prejudice relating to characteristics including race or ethnicity, religion or sectarianism, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. It can take many forms, including verbal abuse, harassment, threats, criminal damage, assault and other offences.
Importantly, if you believe you have been targeted because of who you are, or because someone perceives you to be part of a particular group, we want to hear from you. We will take your report seriously and investigate where appropriate.
Reporting can make a difference. We understand that reporting an incident can sometimes feel difficult or daunting. You may be worried about what will happen next, or unsure whether what has happened is serious enough to report. Please don’t make that decision yourself – let us know. Reporting hate crime helps us understand what is happening in our communities, identify patterns and areas of concern, and take action against those responsible. It also helps us work with our partners to put appropriate support and preventative measures in place.
How do you report a hate crime or hate incident?
• By calling 101
• In an emergency, call 999
• Online through the PSNI website at Report | PSNI
When reporting to police, you can also request a live video call with an officer, and translation services are available if you would prefer to communicate in your first language.
If you are not ready to speak directly to police, information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or you can contact the independent Hate Crime Advocacy Service.
Tackling hate crime is not something the police cannot do alone. It requires communities, statutory organisations, voluntary and community groups and individuals to stand together against hatred and prejudice.
If you witness a hate crime or incident, you can report it. If someone you know has been targeted, offer them support and encourage them to seek help. And if you have information that could help an investigation, please come forward.
During Hate Crime Awareness Week – and throughout the year – we want people to know that they are not alone, that their concerns will be taken seriously and that support is available.
Together, we can help make Northern Ireland a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.
Find out more about hate crime on our website - www.psni.police.uk
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.psni.police.uk/ or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
For further information regarding this issue, please refer to our website. | 
