Thousands Of Hate Crimes Committed Against Police Officers

The Chair of South Yorkshire Police Federation has spoken about the victim support it offers to officers who suffer hate crime, as it emerged that at least 11,000 hate crimes were committed against UK officers over the past three years.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to UK police forces found that there were 10,922 reported hate crimes against officers from 27 forces from 2022 to 2025. However, the true figure is likely to be much higher – even close to double – as another 21 forces, including South Yorkshire, were not able to provide the information.

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “Assaults against officers have gone through the roof, but there is also more of a willingness to report it, thanks to stuff like Op Hampshire and the great work our force does on that.

“I also think we’re lagging behind a bit with hate crime reporting because when officers see the disappointing court results, they think, ‘What’s the point of reporting it?’.”

Steve said he wanted to reassure police officers who were victims of hate crime that the Federation will support them and go to court with them if they need to give evidence. He added that the main way to curb hate crime was tougher sentences for offenders, saying: “A racially aggravated public order offence should result in automatic custody.”