Gill Imery QPM

The HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) Thematic Inspection of Hate Crime report found that a lack of training, limitations of IT systems and problems with data collection affected efforts by the police to carry out their duties.

HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Gill Imery QPM said: “When we decided to carry out this inspection in 2019, we recognised that prejudice, division and hatred could increase across the UK due to the changing political and social environment and the increased prevalence of online abuse and intolerance.

“What we did not anticipate was that issues of diversity and equality would be magnified during the time frame of this inspection due to the unequal impact of Covid-19 on different parts of society and by an increase in protests around the world about racism.”

Mrs Imery expressed concern over the number of shortcomings in relation to third party reporting, which many victims are unaware of as an alternative to speaking directly to the police.

She also highlighted that hate crime is not visible as a strategic priority for Police Scotland: there is no dedicated unit for the investigation of hate crimes perpetrated on or offline; there are difficulties in identifying repeat reports and thereby repeat victims, and there are shortcomings in the support provided to police officers who are subjected to hate crime on duty.

Mrs Imery said: “There was evidence of good practice at national and local levels, with the local policing operational response to reported instances of crime being particularly strong. Officers working in the safer communities roles at local and national level have developed effective partnerships and a deep knowledge of diversity issues. However there is no coherent overall strategy that underpins efforts to prevent and detect hate crime.

“There needs to be a consistent level of response and support for victims so they have the confidence required to report hate incidents, particularly if it is not the first time they have been subjected to such behaviour.”