Kent Police signs up to 'Stand by me' promise

The campaign has been launched by Mencap as part of Learning Disability Week, 20 to 26 June

Kent Police is pleased to sign up to the Mencap 'Stand by me' police promise. This is being launched by Mencap as part of Learning Disability week, running from 20 to 26 June 2011.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: 'Kent Police is committed to stand by people with a learning disability and put an end to disability hate crime. This is a serious issue and can have a devastating effect on not only victims, but also their families and the wider community.'

Kent Police has supported and assisted Mencap with their campaign literature, working with them to provide photos. Their brochure has been produced featuring Kent Police officers, providing practical support to the aims of their campaign.

Kent Police engages in a variety of ways with disabled people; Community Liaison Officers are active in visiting and engaging with local disability groups. Neighbourhood teams engage with disabled people in their wards on an individual basis.

DCC Alan Pughsley continued: 'We strongly believe that by working together with disabled people we can engender trust and confidence to encourage disabled people to report disability hate incidents in the knowledge that they will be dealt with seriously and sympathetically. Empowering disabled people to jointly produce responses to these incidents is vital if disabled people are to have confidence in solutions and if they are to be effective.'

Hate crime reporting line

An additional reporting line specifically for hate incidents was launched recently. The number, 0800 138 1624, is staffed 24 hours a day by specially trained non-police staff and is free to call from landlines.

DCC Alan Pughsley also said: ‘As we have said before, we want victims to know they have a voice. We want people to come forward to report hate incidents, so we can bring offenders to account for their actions. We will treat all victims with sensitivity and discretion. They will be listened to and can work with us to have a say in the outcome of those perpetrating this type of abuse.’

All reported hate incidents are thoroughly investigated by Kent Police. The new reporting line offers immediate access to advice and support. Currently, Kent Police has an 83 per cent satisfaction rate from victims for the service provided. Victims of hate crime are urged to use the reporting number so police can work with them to ensure all offenders are appropriately dealt with.

Kent Police has a detection rate for hate crime of just under 70%, which is third nationally.

In addition to the recently launched new reporting line number for hate incidents, victims or witnesses can also ring Kent Police on 01622 690690. The True Vision online reporting facility is another option for reporting hate crime incidents.

• Find out more about the campaign and Learning Disability Week on the Mencap website.

Posted on: 20 June 2011