Criminology In The News | Hate Crime: Racism on the Train

The media plays many different roles in the reporting of crime and the growth of citizen journalism is one factor in the number of crimes being reported to the police. A recent event has been captured by passengers on the Thameslink train from Luton to Three Bridges.

During the journey, officers were called to attend a disturbance on the train and boarded at East Croydon Station where two men were removed. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the men were involved in using racial abuse at other passengers on the train and acted aggressively toward passengers and staff who tried to intervene.

This incident comes as the latest in a series of recordings that have gone viral on social media sites of individuals becoming engaged in arguments and discussions and being recorded by passengers on phones. As these incidents gain the attention of the police services, charges are often pressed, and this demonstrates one impact of the media on the levels of crime in society.

Find out more by looking at the article below from the Metro (19/0402024) and answer the questions below.

Man hurls racist abuse at Thameslink passengers and 'threatens woman' | UK News | Metro News

1. How would you categorise the crime committed according to the different categories in AC 1.1 of Unit 1?
2. The British Transport Police are part of which agency of social control? What powers and jurisdiction do they have?
3. Incidents of hate crime have increased in England and Wales over the last few years. With reference to this article, explain one reason why the reporting of hate crimes might have increased.
4. When reviewing the case, the CPS will look to apply the full code test. How might the reporting of this crime influence the application of this test?
5. What types of evidence might be used against the suspect in this case? What weighting might be given to the different forms of evidence collected?
6. Criminologists often examine the impacts of the media on criminal activities. Suggest one reason why the media might be beneficial in the investigation of this crime.