Merseyside Police was forced to clarify that “being offensive is not an offence” after a local policing team shared an “incorrect” statement stating the opposite on the side of a van in Wirral.
The force received backlash for sharing the message on a billboard in Wirral over the weekend.
Social media users accused Merseyside police of being the “Thought Police”.
Others pointed out that “being offensive” is not an offence.
“Utterly chilling. In a free society the right to be offensive is fundamental,” said one Twitter user in response to the poster.
Superintendent Martin Earl later released a statement in which he explained the “well intentioned” poster was part of a campaign drive encouraging people to report hate crime.
He said the force apologises “for any confusion this may have caused”.
“We would like to clarify that ‘being offensive’ is not in itself an offence,” said Superintendent Earl in the statement.
“Our Hate Crime Co-ordinators draw on a wealth of experience and expertise to provide effective and above all sensitive and appropriate support for victims.
“We would also like to remind people we have a number of third party reporting centres including fire stations and activity centres which enable people who feel more comfortable discussing their issues with an independent party to come forward.”
Merseyside Police encouraged people who wish to report a hate crime to get support from Stop Hate UK by calling 0800 138 1625.
