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<p>Hate crime creates fear and can have a devastating impact on individuals and communities.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is committed to tackling hate crime in any form.
In 2015-16, the CPS prosecuted 15,442 hate crime prosecutions, the highest number
to date.</p><p>The CPS has published Public Policy Statements on all monitored strands
of hate crime as a public consultation to demonstrate its understanding and commitment
and to encourage public confidence. These statements were developed in partnership
with community stakeholders, an approach which is being delivered nationally.</p><p>The
CPS policy for dealing with hate crime cases is delivered by consistent application
of national legal guidance. Legal guidance is available on all strands of monitored
hate crime and incorporates relevant case law and good practice. It assists prosecutors
to assess the issues in hate crime cases, make the right charging decisions and build
robust prosecutions. The CPS ensures the policy and legal guidance is applied nationally
by delivering national training to ensure effective application. The hate crime training
is mandatory for all prosecutors.</p><p>There are Hate Crime Coordinators in every
CPS Area and they meet twice a year to share best practice and inform national guidance.
Since January 2015, the CPS has also operated a Hate Crime Assurance Scheme to ensure
consistency in prosecuting cases. To assist the consistent prosecution and assessment
of hate crime, the CPS nationally and locally, seeks the practical input of individuals
with experience and expertise in supporting victims of hate crime.</p><p> </p><p>
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