Police show up at journalist's door over year-old social media post

On a quiet Remembrance Sunday morning last week‚ Allison Pearson was getting ready to attend memorial service when two police officers appeared at her door-step. The visit wasnt what she expected - they came about something she posted on social media platform X about 12 months ago

The officers informed her about non-crime hate incident (NCHI) accusation but refused to share basic info: the post content‚ complainants name or any evidence. “Its not ʼthe accuserʼ its the victim“ one officer stated looking at his notes. The timing felt particularly wrong as people prepared for remembrance parade nearby (with sounds of drums and metal barriers being setup in background)

Later that week‚ Essex Police changed their stance; telling Telegraph theyʼre investigating under Section 17 of Public Order Act relating to content that might cause racial hatred. This differed from what officers said during house visit

The case brings up similarities with Bernie Spofforthʼs experience. After mistakenly sharing incorrect info about Southport incident she got arrested and held for 36hrs - even though she deleted post within an hour. Here are key issues with current NCHI system:

• Over 250000 NCHIs recorded since 2014
• Even politicians like Amber Rudd got NCHI while being home secretary
• Court ruled NCHIs need proper justification after Harry Miller case
• Former home secretary Suella Braverman tried reforming system

The whole situation feels kafka-esque - police spending time on year-old social posts while actual crimes dont get proper attention. Its worth noting that same police force recently showed little interest in investigating serious domestic violence case with real evidence