In October, the Police College established a new study program on the prevention and investigation of hate crime. Now 20 students have completed the course.
The low number of arrests and large numbers of cases was the reason why the study was created last autumn.
The students have gained a better insight into the size of numbers, and the different practices of registering hate crime in the police systems, which may have contributed to under-reporting.
‘’We must say that it has gone very well so far.Based on the preliminary feedback, it seems that the study was a success. Now the education must be evaluated, and then the goal must be that we continue. There are clear signs of the importance of making efforts to combat hate crime, and I believe all good forces also see the importance of more knowledge and education in the area. The need is great’’ said professional manager, David Hansen.
The course gives ten credits and is based online.
Hate crime refers to offences that are motivated by hatred, prejudice or negative attitudes towards people due to ethnicity, religion / beliefs, sexual orientation, or disability.
The police have recently experienced an increase in cases of hate crime. A recent report from the Oslo Police District showed an increase of 20% in the number of cases reported from 2017 to 2018. Since 2015, the increase has been as high as 66% in the capital.
© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today
