Cops are 4 times more likely to search Asians
SCOTS from Asian backgrounds are almost four times more likely to be searched by police than white people, according to figures.
And people from a black Caribbean background are also more likely to be subjected to a stop and search from officers.
The discrepancy comes despite data showing a search of people from ethnic minorities is less likely to lead to detection of a crime.
Labour MSP Anas Sarwar last night said the figures – which came as part of a six-month review into the controversial policy – raised concerns about ethnic profiling by the police.
But the report author, Professor Susan McVie, said the figures should be treated with caution because the ethnic minority data is partially based on information in the 2011 census.
The report shows roughly three in every 1000 white Scots were subject to a stop and search by police between June and November last year. The equivalent figure was about 11 for Asians and 10.5 for black Caribbeans.
Sarwar said: “These figures clearly reveal that people from Scotland’s black and Asian search powers are used effectively and without prejudice.”
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “The independent report makes it very clear, and provides detailed context, as to why these statistics should be treated with caution. It goes on to highlight that Police Scotland are making strong progress with the implementation of the new Code of Practice.
“We will continue to work closely with all our communities to ensure our approach builds trust and confidence.” The figures emerged weeks after Sarwar outlined proposals to tackle “everyday racism and Islamophobia”. He wants the Scottish Government to take action on black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) representation in the public sector workforce and called for a review of the legal framework surrounding racist and Islamophobic abuse online. A result of a Labour Party probe into an allegation Sarwar was subjected to racist comments by a party colleague is expected to be announced today.