More than 30 organisations from across Hertfordshire were represented at a hate crime reporting networking event recently.

Representatives from local charities, schools, colleges, councils and community groups joined police and county council partners at Hatfield's Fielder Centre last month to learn more about being a third-party reporting centre (TPRC).

Organised as part of Hertfordshire Hate Crime Partnership Board's efforts to encourage more venues to sign up as a TPRC, the morning included presentations about the different ways to report hate crime, local hate crime statistics, and how Herts police is using our community messaging platform Herts Connected at hertsconnected.co.uk to reach residents and businesses.

Chief Inspector Tony Fontenelle, who leads on hate crime for Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: "I felt incredibly proud to oversee the successful hate crime third party reporting centre networking event, which brought together a fantastic mix of new and established organisations who will act as TPRCs.

"The positive feedback has already been overwhelming, with many highlighting the connections made, insights shared, and opportunities created. It was truly inspiring to see so many professionals come together to network and collaborate, showing the importance of this subject."

Another TPRC networking event is planned for later this year.

Mohammed Alam, director at Hitchin-based North Hertfordshire Minority Ethnic Forum, said: "The networking event at the Fielder Centre was highly informative and educational. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the services Hertfordshire Constabulary offers to the local community to ensure public safety."

Bal Singh, from Khalsa Football Academy, in North Herts, said: "A lot of people in the Asian community suffer racism on the sports field and we are working in partnership with the police to support victims of hate crime on the football pitch or in the community. I've experienced it and we know it is under-reported."

Tina Roberts, safeguarding officer at Oaklands College, said: "For a lot of our students if you sit them down and talk, they like to have something tangible when talking to you, the leaflets are very helpful, we have had students in the past that have experienced hate crime but not reported it. Hopefully, we can now give them a lot more information and support."

Hate crimes include assaults, threats or acts of vandalism, or any other crime committed against someone because of their:

• Disability
• Race or ethnicity
• Religion or belief
• Transgender identity
• Sexual orientation

Hate crime is not tolerated in Hertfordshire. Hertfordshire Constabulary has specialist hate crime officers to tackle and challenge these incidents, educate people and support those who have been affected. Don't ignore it, report it.

If your organisation is interested in becoming a third-party reporting centre for hate crime, please email [email protected].