An innocent man has been left reeling after discovering his local police force secretly placed him on a 'hate crime list' for a trivial online exchange, triggering a formal investigation into the constabulary's conduct.
Dezi Freeman, a 28-year-old from Derbyshire, found himself unlawfully logged on the force's internal database following a minor disagreement with a transgender woman on X (formerly Twitter) in 2021. The ordeal, which Mr Freeman only uncovered through a subject access request, has led to a scathing ruling by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
A Chilling Overreach
The saga began when Mr Freeman engaged in a debate about gender identity. Despite the conversation remaining non-threatening, Derbyshire Constabulary took it upon themselves to record the incident as a 'non-crime hate incident' (NCHI) and add Mr Freeman's details to their system.
"I was utterly shocked," Mr Freeman stated. "To be secretly placed on a list for having a perfectly lawful opinion is something you'd expect from a dystopian novel, not a British police force. It feels like a modern-day witch hunt."
IOPC Condemns Police Actions
The IOPC investigation concluded that Derbyshire Constabulary had "no lawful basis" for processing Mr Freeman's data. The probe found the force had misapplied its own guidance and violated data protection principles, leading to an official recommendation for a review of all similar cases.
In a damning assessment, the watchdog determined the force's actions were "disproportionate" and had a "significant impact on the individual's right to freedom of expression."
A Wider Pattern of Concern
This case has ignited fresh debate over the recording of NCHIs across UK police forces. Critics argue the practice, championed by bodies like the College of Policing, has a chilling effect on free speech and targets individuals for their legitimate beliefs.
Mr Freeman's case is not isolated. It highlights a growing trend where police are accused of policing thought rather than crime, often venturing into complex political and social debates without clear legal footing.
Seeking Justice and Reform
Supported by the Free Speech Union, Mr Freeman is now pursuing legal action against Derbyshire Constabulary. His case is a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability within police forces.
"This was never about one tweet," Mr Freeman emphasised. "It's about ensuring that the police focus on catching criminals, not monitoring the lawful conversations of ordinary citizens. No one else should have to go through this."
Derbyshire Constabulary has acknowledged the IOPC's findings and stated it is reviewing its procedures, a move that will be closely watched by civil liberties groups and the public alike.
