Ref. 28377-14AN E-policing system being pioneered in Swindon could become a national standard for best practice.

The e-mail-based programme, which ensures that hate crimes are logged by the community and race relations department,won high praise in this year's HMI inspection.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary said the project was: "Leading the way towards greater technology and reduction of bureaucracy."

It is now being examined as a potential example for the rest of the country. The community and race relations department is set for a busy year as its work expands.

Insp Bob Markham, head of the department, which is based at Westlea police station, said that the crime reporting system made sure that hate crimes, including racially or homophobically aggravated crimes are always followed up, even if they could not be solved.

E-mail reports are filed automatically to divisional duty inspectors and the department. They are reviewed by Insp Markham and sent back to the officer with advice.

"It is an assurance for the people of Swindon that we are doing the best we can to make sure nothing falls through the net," he said.

"Hate crime is invidious," said Insp Markham. "When you suffer a crime it is bad enough, but if you have been targeted because of who you are or what you do, then it is a double attack."

Hate crimes are now one of the top five areas the force is concentrating on, along with violent crime, burglary, thefts from cars and deaths on the roads.

To match the added importance, the police response has also been increased.

Now a hate crime report will usually result in a level one or two response level one being blue lights and sirens, level two meaning officers on the scene within an hour.

"We want people to report things even if they think we have dealt badly with it in the past," said Insp Markham.

He said that hate crimes are still seriously under-reported in some sections of the community.

"Some victims become conditioned to accepting bad treatment from other people.

"We have all got to stand up and challenge this."

Tina Clarke