Police Reported To UN Over Stop And Search

A human rights group has reported Police Scotland to the UN, over it's unnecessary use of stop and search powers.

In a report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee on the United Kingdom’s implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Scottish Human Rights Commission highlighted the need for stop and search to take place within a the legal framework.

Professor Alan Miller, Chair of the Commission, said:

"Stop and search has its place as a means of ensuring public safety. However, it should only be carried out where there is a clear legal basis for interfering with someone’s basic right to privacy. We should all be free to go about our daily business unless the police have reasonable suspicion that we are doing something illegal.

"Police Scotland has repeatedly failed to take appropriate steps to address the concerns that the Commission and others have raised. A review announced in February promised progress but, in reality, has not led to any tangible change. Unlawful stop and search continues to take place on Scotland’s streets. This must stop.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We want a consensus across Scotland on the use of stop and search and we are part of the review group set up by the Scottish Government and chaired by John Scott QC.”