ACPO response to Mencap's 'Don't Stand By' report

ACPO lead for Equality, Diversity and Human Rights, Chief Constable Stephen Otter, said:

“We continue to do everything we can to bring to justice the perpetrators of disability related hate crimes and to give the best possible support to victims. Much has changed in recent years in the way the police deal with people with learning disabilities and the service is proactively seeking to learn from best practice from across the country to improve our response to victims of hate crime.

“We are committed to providing the best possible service to victims of these terrible crimes but recognise there is more we can do. The police service is committed to the job of tackling crime and keeping people safe from harm, with the latest British Crime Survey results showing that the risk of being a victim of crime remains at a 30-year low.

“ACPO has supported the efforts to improve the data recording on hate crime and we continue to work with other agencies and government to enhance our understanding of the nature of disability hate crime.

“The policing mission encompasses a huge variety of responsibilities and we must be prepared for challenging times ahead as forces continue to fight crime with reduced budgets and resource.

“We are keen to work closely with all partner agencies including disability groups like Mencap in order to continue to improve the welfare of disabled people and the service we give.”

Ends

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk