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ZERO TOLERANCE FOR HATE CRIME POST-PARIS

Submitted by Editor on

Police Scotland's Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM this morning issued a statement to communities across the country. 

We reproduce it in full and unedited below. 

Following the terrorist attacks in Paris, France, on Friday 13 November 2015 and the ongoing extensive media coverage, it should be noted that at this time there is no known threat or link to Scotland. 

Police Scotland is committed to keeping people safe and whilst we understand that the public will clearly be appalled by these events, I would urge each and every member of the community to continue to work together in ensuring that no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated. 

Police Scotland will not tolerate any attempts to target communities by any misguided individual or group and will work with all of our communities to resolve any issues and address any concerns. In this regard, we would urge people to go about their business as usual, however, should anyone become a victim, or witness any hate crime, they should contact the police and report the incident. 

It is an unfortunate reality that Police Forces around the world often note an increase in hate crime in the immediate aftermath of terrorist attacks, and we have witnessed a number of isolated hate incidents across Scotland since Friday, which appear to relate to the attacks in Paris. I would however take this opportunity to reassure all communities in Scotland that officers have responded swiftly, gathered evidence and made arrests. In relation to on-line crime, we will use the very technology that individuals use to send messages of hatred, to identify and arrest them. I am confident that no incidents will go unchallenged and whilst they involve a small minority of people, they do not detract from the fact that Scotland is a diverse, multi-cultural and welcoming country, where people are tolerant of each other’s differences. 

At this time there remains no specific threat to Scotland or Scottish communities; however I would ask our communities to take cognisance of the UK threat level which is at Severe, meaning an attack is highly likely, and remain vigilant. 

Please be assured Police Scotland continues to work with partners at home and abroad countering the threat from terrorism to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our communities. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our communities safe. 

If you have any concerns or information about suspicious activity please contact the Police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or in an emergency dial 999.

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 Alan Mair If this covers social media where are they going to build the new prison?

@theSpurtle in the past I've tried to report hate crimes & found it really hard to do -Police Scotland does not want to record them

@fatblackcatspaw @theSpurtle Mary if you email me at Joanna.mowat@edinburgh.gov.uk will raise at police scrutiny committee