The PSNI is providing “high visibility” patrols around schools following concerns over the potential for race hate incidents as children return to the classroom.
Following the summer disorder, it has been revealed that additional neighbourhood policing officers will have an “increased operational footprint around schools, in particular those that have large numbers of black and minority children”.
Assistant Chief Constable Singleton said police want to avoid “causing fear”, but added they will “be in the area in the event that there are any difficulties”.
He told the Irish News: “We have been working really closely with the black and minority ethnic community to provide support over the past month and we have maintained contact to make sure we understand their needs and concerns.
“In particular one thing that we heard very clearly was the concern about young people returning to school this past week.
“The police at a local level through our neighbourhood policing teams have been providing high visibility reassurance patrols around schools to make sure young people can go back there and it can be a safe environment for them.”
Last month 400 mothers from the Muslim Mothers Collective wrote to the Education Minister Paul Givan expressing fears for their children’s safety as the new school term approached.
A response from Mr Givan said there has been a review of safety precautions at schools following recent unrest.
He added that his department, the Education Authority and the PSNI are working together to ensure the safety of students while travelling to school.
Police are also engaging with health and social care trusts “because of the number of black and minority employees that they have”.
Early operational figures indicate that hate crime incidents reported to the PSNI this year have increased by a third compared to 2023, mostly concerning arson and criminal damage to properties.
The figures have been released following anti-immigration disorder that broke out after a protest in Belfast on August 3.
To date, 45 people have been arrested in connection with the disorder, and 35 have been charged.
Seven of those arrested are under the age of 18, with the youngest aged 11.
Policing the disorder and racially motivated attacks over the last month has cost more than £3.5m in overtime, air support assistance and mutual aid.
Speaking of the overall data, ACC Singleton said: “We look at a rolling 365 day period to gauge emerging trends and over this period more than 400 additional hate crime incidents have been reported.
“This is not surprising given what’s happened over the last month.
“We are very concerned about that, but we are determined and will take robust action in order to address this.”
He added that the Investigation team are working through over 3,500 hours of CCTV and body-worn video footage.
“We know that some victims do not report hate crime for a variety of reasons,” ACC Singleton said.
“We have worked really hard to reach out to communities across Northern Ireland to increase confidence in policing and to encourage individuals to report to Police. Where people report to police they can expect an enhanced level of investigation and supervision of investigations and support.”
He said police were looking at “the potential involvement of individuals associated with paramilitarism” in the recent protests and disorder.
“We will continue to work with partners and in communities to play our part in trying to eradicate all forms of paramilitary activity and influence,” he said.
“We also know that fear and intimidation is used to stop people from speaking up about those involved in these incidents.
“If you feel you are unable to speak with police directly you can contact the Crimestoppers Charity that guarantees you will remain completely anonymous when you contact them either via our website or on the phone.”
