Hate Crime
I am Michael Belcher, The East Area Hate Crime Co-ordinator For Merseyside Police.
I deal with hate crimes and hate incidents in the Knowsley and St Helens areas of Merseyside.
Tel no. 0151 777 4797
E-mail: Michael.Belcher@merseyside.police.uk
What is a hate crime?
A hate crime is when someone commits a crime against you because of your disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other perceived difference.
It doesn't always include physical violence. Someone using offensive language towards you or harassing you because of who you are, or who they think you are, is also a crime.
What is a hate incident?
A hate incident is any non-crime incident which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity or perceived disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
It can be in many forms including verbal or online abuse, insults or harassment such as taunting, offensive leaflets and posters, abusive gestures or bullying.
If it happens to you, you might be tempted to shrug it off. But if you tell me, I can investigate and stop it from getting worse – either for you or someone else.
How to report a hate crime or incident to me
- All contact with you is private and confidential
- I will respond to ALL enquiries within 48 hours of receipt (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)
- If for any reason I am not available eg annual leave/sickness then Merseyside Police will assign another Police Officer to manage this reporting facility
Alternatively, you can contact me direct via email: Al.R.Russo@Merseyside.pnn.police.uk or telephone: 0151 777 6545 or come and meet me at one of my drop in sessions at Whiston or St Helens hospitals.
What happens after reporting?
- You will be contacted by me, or a colleague from Merseyside Police, within 48 hours
- I will arrange to meet with you to discuss your concerns at a time and place that is convenient to you
- Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will not store any information from your e-form
- The report will immediately be logged and saved securely by Merseyside Police
Privacy: Please note - MWL will not store any information provided on this form. The Information will be sent directly to Merseyside Police so they are able to contact you regarding your concerns. For more information on how Merseyside Police handle your information please see their Privacy Notice.
If you require the police in an emergency please dial 999 or for non-emergencies please dial 101
