The McPherson Inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence recognised that there was a reluctance by some people and communities to approach the police directly to report a crime. The report  recommended that there should be a place other than a police station  where people could report crime.

Lothian and Borders Police introduced its first Remote Reporting Centres in 2000 aimed at serving race and faith communities. Partner organisations [like Amina–MWRC who are organising the Women's Hate Crime event] are trained to complete a remote report form which they then submit to the police.

As well as completing the report, the agencies can offer support and advice to the victim or signpost them to someone who can. The procedure is victim led and they have the choice on what they would like the police to do with the information given. Since 2000 the number of sites has  expanded to about 100  and covering all sections of our communities. A list of organisations trained to take Remote Reports and further information on the process  is at  www.lbp.police.uk/takecontrol.

Lothian and Borders police is always interested in training new partner organisations and so anyone who is interested should contact PS Hazel Leslie, hazel.leslie@lbp.pnn.police.uk who will be delighted to discuss it further.