
'Protect free speech... not thin skin': Police told to focus on 'tackling serious crimes'
Daily MailPolice must prioritise freedom of speech over people taking offence under long-awaited rules unveiled today. Officers will be told in the fresh Home Office guidance to stop recording trivial online arguments and playground spats as ‘non-crime hate incidents’. Last night Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: ‘I have been deeply concerned about reports of the police wrongly getting involved in lawful debate in this country. Last night, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said that she was 'deeply concerned about reports of the police wrongly getting involved in lawful debate in this country' Officers will be told in the fresh Home Office guidance to stop recording trivial online arguments and playground spats as ‘non-crime hate incidents ‘The new code will ensure the police are prioritising their effort where it’s really needed and focusing on tackling serious crimes such as burglary, violent offences, rape and other sexual offences.’ The draft code of practice, to be laid before Parliament today, comes after years of concerns that police have been wrongly targeting people over opinions, online comments and even jokes. The 40-page draft states officers must consider if recording an incident would interfere with the subject’s freedom of expression including ‘lawful debate, humour, satire and personally held views’.
History of this topic

Prime Minister says UK guards free speech ‘preciously’ after Vance criticism
The Independent
‘You are not the thought police’: Top Tory Chris Philp weighs in on Allison Pearson row at police chiefs summit
The Independent
DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Free speech includes the right to offend
Daily Mail
Police are recording trivial incidents as hate crimes, watchdog finds - because officers are so worried about being criticised on controversial issues such as race and gender
Daily Mail
Free speech in the age of rage!
Times of India
Police are inundated with complaints from rabble-rousers over Scotland's new hate crime law
Daily Mail
Scotland's new hate crime laws could damage public trust in the police, chiefs warn - after critics including JK Rowling warned legislation could have chilling effect on free speech
Daily Mail
Need To Educate Police About Freedom Of Speech, They Must Be Sensitised About Democratic Values : Supreme Court
Live Law
Supreme Court wants authorities to act tough on incitement to violence, hate speech
The Hindu
Police need to be sensitised about hate speeches: SC
Hindustan Times)
‘Don’t take pictures with protestors, arrest them’, UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman tells police
Firstpost
Police told to stop wasting time on Twitter disputes ‘simply because someone is offended’
The Telegraph
Police told to focus on catching criminals, not ‘Twitter debates’
The Telegraph
Govt’s criticism can’t be ground for penal action, says Supreme Court
Hindustan Times
Germany: No probe of column on police that angered minister
The Independent
Police force condemns xenophobic comments about criminals on social media
The Independent
The Law Commission on sedition
The Hindu
The Lawsuit Against Black Lives Matter And The Central Meaning Of The First Amendment
Huff Post
Just ignore it and move on
Hindustan Times
First Amendment rights don't extend to filming the police, federal judge says
The Independent
Police banking on ‘inaction’ to buy peace
The HinduDiscover Related









































