Esther McVey has warned police forces must focus resources on tackling real crime instead of dealing with non-crime hate incidents.
She said the rise in reported non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs), was taking up precious officer time, time being taken away from front line policing.
Speaking in Home Office Questions, Ms McVey said: “Regarding non crime hate incidents and the amount of police time taken to investigate them, does the minister agree with me the clue is in the name, non-crime, and that already stretched police should focus their efforts on tackling real crime, rather than being the virtue signalling thought police.”
Ms McVey wants to see the focus rebalanced to tackle issues that affect all constituents, including safer streets and ensuring resources are available when someone calls 999.
Home Office Minister Diana Johnson said: “As agreed with the Home Secretary, the National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing are currently conducting a review of non-crime hate incidents and we will update Parliament in due course on the findings of that review.”
Since 2014 more than 133,000 non-crime hate incidents have been reported.
A non-crime hate incident (NCHI) is an alleged act perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards people with certain characteristics, including race, gender or disability. According to the Home Office guidance, data is collected on incidents that could escalate into more serious harm.
