Hate Crime Champions Scheme launches at North Wales Police

The initiative aims to improve and enhance the service we provide to victims of hate crime.

This week we are launching our new Hate Crime Champions Scheme across North Wales Police. The aim of the initiative is to improve and enhance the service we provide to victims of hate crime, as well as increase our visibility and engagement with diverse communities.

Last week several Police Community Support Officers received specialist training from the Wales Hate Support Centre branch of Victim Support, alongside North Wales Police’s Diversity Unit. The purpose of this specialist role is to have a cohort of local experts available to support victims of hate crime by providing reassurance, guidance and signposting, as well as visibly engaging with minority communities at key events.

T/Superintendent Llinos Davies said: ‘It is completely unacceptable to target or abuse somebody because of their race, age, sexual orientation, religion disability, transgender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

'Such behaviour will not be tolerated. This initiative demonstrates North Wales Police’s commitment to continuously improving our victim service, pursuing those responsible, and to securing the best outcomes for victims affected by this deeply personal and impactive crime.’

Sgt Elin Sion, who has been co-ordinating the introduction of the hate crime champions said: ‘Hate crime can have a devastating impact on a person’s wellbeing, both physical and mental. It can make victims feel very vulnerable, isolated, frightened, distressed, and unsafe and can affect a whole community.

'We want victims to feel listened to, to know that have someone they can turn to who will help them get the right support to overcome their experience. Our champions will be a vital part of the work we do to tackle hate crime, they will offer guidance to those in need and ensure victims receive specialist support.

'It’s such an important role and I’m extremely proud be involved in introducing Hate crime champions into North Wales Police'

PC Rob Newton-Miller on behalf of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team said: ‘The role of Hate Crime Champions offers victims and witnesses greater reassurance and localised support to complement the existing good work already in place.

'It’s important to be able to offer the enhanced support to meet the increasing demands from our communities, whilst making every effort to improve the trust and confidence in North Wales Police.’