Police Scotland records 75 per cent drop in online hate reports
The number of online hate reports received by Police Scotland has dropped by almost 75 per cent in the second week since the introduction of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 on April 1.
The latest weekly data released by Police Scotland shows there were 1,832 online hate reports received between April 8 and 14, down from 7,152 the previous week.
The majority of reports received during this period were anonymous.
These were assessed against the new legislation and no further action is being taken, said Police Scotland.
There were 213 hate crimes recorded in the same period, down from 240 the previous week.
Police also recorded 25 non-crime hate incidents, five fewer than between April 1 and 7.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We have seen a significant reduction in the number of online hate reports and these continue to be managed within our contact centres with minimal impact on frontline policing.
“All complaints received are reviewed by officers, supported by dedicated hate crime advisers, and dealt with appropriately, whether that is being progressed for further assessment, or closed as they do not meet the criteria under the legislation.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Police Authority said: “The Scottish Police Authority welcomes this second week of management data which records a significant drop in online reporting. These reports are allowing the Authority to track and analyse the policing response to this new legislation and understand demand.
“Police Scotland has confirmed that it continues to manage demands within contact centres with minimal impact on frontline policing.”