Smartphone App For Reporting Hate Crime

6 February 2013, 14:11 | Updated: 15 February 2013, 10:26

Victims of Hate Crime in Hertfordshire can now report incidents to the police through a new smartphone App.

The App is called 'Report It' and has been designed by True Vision as an easy and modern way to report this type of crime.

Heart went to speak to Chief Inspector Julie Wheatley who says Hertfordshire Police support the use of the App, which will allow victims, witnesses, family and friends to report Hate Crime directly to their Control Room.

She says with the App incidents can be reported as the offence is taking place

This it would give officers to catch criminals in action.

Hate Crime is when someone experiences:

  • Physically assault
  • People swearing of making abusive remarks
  • Spitting or insulting gestures
  • People doing things that frighten, intimidate or cause distress
  • Bullying at school, college or work
  • Having property stolen or damaged

 The crime is based on a persons:

  • Disability
  • Ethnicity
  • Race
  • Religion or Belief
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Transgender Identity

CI Wheatley claims Hertfordshire doesn't have a problem in comparison to other parts of the UK but says this App will give the force a better understanding of Hate Crime levels in the county.

She says at the moment Hate Crime is a very under reported offence.