Police recruits are to be educated about a range of faiths as part of plans to improve the handling of religiously aggravated crimes.
Forces will work with schools to improve understanding of the basic tenets of Islam, Sikhism and other beliefs and will collate figures on the ethnicity and faith of the victims of religiously aggravated crimes as part of the religion action plan of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos).
The plan, to be launched today, follows growing concerns from faith communities about the discrimination they face for wearing the veil and other practices. Senior officers and community members believe race and sectarian offences at football matches have been overemphasised and that religious hatred and intolerance need to be addressed.
Colin Mather, deputy chief constable of Central Scotland Police and the Acpos spokesman on faith, said: "We need to think about changing demographics in Scotland. We need to be prepared to deal with that.
Pramila Kaur, chief executive of the Scottish Inter-Faith Council, said: "A document such as the Acpos religion and belief action plan is a positive step towards building bridges and promoting community cohesion."
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