The chief inspector of constabulary, Sir Andy Cooke, has said police should stop recording or investigating non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs), arguing that the practice creates intense controversy while consuming minimal resources. Speaking at the launch of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services' annual state of policing report, Cooke stated he believes NCHIs are no longer necessary and that intelligence could be gathered differently to reduce public concern and simplify police procedures.
NCHIs are recorded to assess community tensions and prevent escalation, but critics, particularly on the political right, view them as a threat to free speech. The College of Policing is currently reviewing the policy but has not provided further details. Cooke's comments come amid ongoing debates about the policing of online speech.
The issue was highlighted by the recent arrest of Father Ted writer Graham Linehan at Heathrow Airport by five armed officers on suspicion of inciting violence under the Public Order Act over tweets about transgender issues, which he denies. Cooke described the arrest as a poor public optic, adding that such incidents make police work harder by drawing attention away from core duties. He stressed he was not criticising the Metropolitan Police or the officers involved, and noted that Commissioner Mark Rowley has called for legal changes.
Cooke emphasised the need for police reform and government funding, warning that substantial upfront investment is required. The inspectorate's report found that while policing is improving in some areas, deep-seated problems remain, with 26% of graded judgments 'requires improvement' and 6% 'inadequate'. Many forces struggle with responding to the public, investigating crime, and protecting vulnerable people, partly due to high demand exceeding resources, though the report also noted that some forces could perform better with existing resources.
