Police volunteers talk hate crime with students

PCSOs dropped in on Dearne Valley College to discuss different hate crimes and incidents.

Students were also told about Operation Solar — Rotherham’s anonymous hate reporting system — and third-party reporting centres like True Vision.

The visit was one of the several to South Yorkshire colleges to engage with young people and advise them on reporting hate crime.

PC Chris Nicholson, Rotherham hate crime co-ordinator, said: “Having the opportunity to speak with the community directly enables us to really explain what hate crimes are [and] the detrimental impact they can have.

“It also allows us to reach victims who may not be aware of what can be done to report and stop these crimes.

“This direct contact also provides students with a platform to be able to ask any questions they may have and understand what we are doing as force to take action.

“We will continue to work with local community groups to ensure everyone knows that hate crimes will not be tolerated and no one should have to be a victim.”

Hate crimes are offences motivated by a person’s gender, race, religion, sexuality or disability.

Hate incidents are not criminal offences, but may still cause offence or escalate into crime.

Anyone witnessing hate crime can report it on non-emergency number 101 or on 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, report it through the True Vision website and app at  www.report-it.org.uk/home.