Hate crimes are a serious problem throughout the EU. They threaten the security not only of individuals, but of society at large, since they often spark broader violence and conflict.

The police are at the frontline of the criminal justice system and the first point of contact for many victims of hate crimes. The primary responsibility of police officers is to prevent crime and, should a crime occur, to investigate and detect criminal behaviour. In order for the police to respond professionally to the needs of the victims of hate speech and hate crime, they have to be able to identify discriminated people, the characteristics of discriminatory behaviour, and what constitutes a hate crime. Without these essential skills to identify and investigate relevant instances, the police cannot ensure justice and protection for victims, gain the confidence of communities or contribute to the fair and transparent application of national hate crime laws.

The purpose of the project is to build the capacity of police forces to successfully combat hate speech and hate crime, in Greece and in Cyprus. This NoHate Police project brings two police forces, two civil society organisations and two research and education institutes – across three European countries – in order to build the knowledge and expertise of police forces in Greece and Cyprus on effective methods of recognizing, understanding and investigating hate crimes.