Handling FAQs

What is the Reporting Centres Scheme About?
''The scheme''

Aim

1. To pilot and develop the multi-agency hate incident reporting form through local networks of third party reporting centres, using common reporting procedures.
2. To encourage the reporting of hate incidents by providing the public with the facility to report such incidents at places other than at Police Stations.

Objectives

• To share information about hate incidents throughout the agencies affiliated to the scheme.
• To improve the level and quality of service provided to victims of hate incidents by means of a multi-agency approach.
• To monitor and map incidents throughout Kirklees.

The scheme also aims to empower the victims of hate incidents by allowing them the opportunity to report hate incidents in surroundings they are more comfortable with.

Can a hate incident/crime be reported anonymously?
Yes. We would however prefer if details are provided, so that we can help and support the reporting person. To report anonymously, simply leave the reporting person’s details out. The form can be signed by the person taking the report. The Police will use the information provided to monitor local tensions and hot spots.

Can anyone report a hate incident?
Yes. The person making the report is known as the reporting person. The reporting person does not have to be the victim. Anyone who is made aware of the incident can report it.

Who will know what has happened?
This is a multi-agency scheme. This means that the reporting centre can send reports to the organisations listed below if the person reporting wants them to do so.

• The Police.
• If homophobic or disablist, to Kirklees Safer Communities Partnership
• If racist or faith/religion related, to Kirklees Race Equality Council.

The reporting person will receive a copy of the form and another copy stays in the Reporting Book for reference. The reporting person also has a chance to choose any other agency that they wish to make aware of the incident. This multi-agency approach means that all the above will work together to offer support and to take effective action to stop the abuse or seek to prosecute the perpetrator.

What if the reporting person only wants the Police to know?
An incident can be reported directly to the Police. However if for any reason the reporting person cannot approach the Police, they can go to any of the Hate Incident Reporting Centres (see website for full details). The reporting centre should record the incident and only inform the Police if that is what the reporting person wishes

Can the reporting person ask for some agencies not to be told about the incident?
Yes. There is an option on the form for the reporting person to state any agency that they do not wish to be contacted by. However if there are concerns for children or suspected child abuse then centers are encouraged to involve other relevant agencies.

How do people know that an agency is a Reporting Centre?
All reporting centres should display the schemes logo. A full list of centres is available on the website. Each centre also has a copy of the list and they can provide details of other centres.

Does the reporting person have to be a Kirklees Council Tenant?
No. Anyone can report any incident.

What if the incident is only verbal abuse?
Verbal abuse constitutes as a hate incident and as such, we ask people to report it to the Police and other agencies. See the Support Material of our website for Incident Log Sheets for you to keep a record of events.

What can be done if a person is experiencing hate incidents or crimes?
If the Police have been made aware of the incident, an investigation will take place. The reporting person will be informed of any progress, if their personal details were provided. The outcomes of the investigation are various.
If the reporting person agrees to it, details of the incident will be passed onto other agencies for further action. Examples of these type of agencies include housing providers, voluntary organization and council services.
During the process of reporting, the reporting person may declare that they have other needs. These can be social, medical, academic and other needs. Where possible, the reporting centre can make referrals to appropriate services.

Why should Hate Incidents and Crimes be reported?
There is a high level of under-reporting around hate crimes and creating a real picture of what is happening is difficult. By reporting incidents, the victims could get support for themselves and access services that are appropriate for their needs. In addition, the Police would be able to identify areas of local tensions and dedicated resources to those areas accordingly.

Where can people go for support?
There are many reporting centres throughout Kirklees. To find your nearest centre please click on Reporting Centres or contact the Hate Crime Unit at Kirklees Safer Communities Partnership on 01484 416295.