12 Feb 2015
Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy addresses Charlie Hebdo concerns in The Guardian
This week there have been a number of media articles discussing police officers visiting sellers of the magazine Charlie Hebdo. Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy has written the following letter to The Guardian newspaper to answer those concerns and explain the police's intentions
“As national policing lead for preventing extremism, I read with concern yesterday’s article (Police from several UK forces seek details of Charlie Hebdo readers – February 10 2015) suggesting that police had tried to monitor sales of the magazine. This was never our intention.
"Following the attacks in Paris, there has been an increase in incidents of antisemitism and Islamaphobia. Officers have been actively monitoring possible sources of tension and investigating reports of hate crimes.
"Forces were aware of the potential for heightened tension with the release of Charlie Hebdo and many neighbourhood police officers, who are well known in their communities, may have opted to visit sellers to establish any concerns and provide reassurance. It is through work such as this that we learn more about people’s worries and can help to solve problems.
"Unfortunately, there will always be groups and individuals who try to exploit situations to spread hatred and division. There were people who posted copies of this magazine to mosques just to cause offence.
"However, it is important that we do not erode the very freedoms that we are trying to protect. I understand why asking for the names of those who might have bought this magazine will appear over-zealous and unnecessary. There was no national guidance to this effect and it is not to be supported unless there is clear evidence that a crime has been committed."
National Policing Lead for Prevent, Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy.
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