Scotland will have its first Muslim police association by the end of the year.
Officers in Strathclyde are setting up a special group to represent the faith within the force and advise senior staff on "cultural and religious sensitivities".
Their plans are understood to have the backing of Chief Constable Steve House, whose spokeswoman yesterday said they were still "at an early stage".
One of the leading figures behind the association is Constable Amar Shakoor, who was Scotland's first Muslim officer when he joined the force 21 years ago.
Mr Shakoor, who works in the east end of Glasgow, yesterday stressed how well his force already deals with Muslim and multicultural issues.
However, he said a Muslim association would offer huge advantages to Strathclyde, not just by improving understanding of the faith and encouraging Muslims to join the force - and stay in it.
He said: "The war on terror has no boundaries and we have had first-hand experience with the attempting bombing of Glasgow Airport. I believe Muslim police officers can play a more prominent role in tackling the threat that is facing us today."
One Muslim officer, who asked not to be named, confirmed that it was a complex issue. He said: "You do hear some non-Muslims say that Muslims don't do enough to tackle terrorism'. Muslim police officers are often in a no-win situation and are viewed suspiciously, not only in their own community but also by some members of the indigenous population.
"But we will do as much as we can to protect Muslim and non-Muslims alike."
Bashir Maan, a senior member of Glasgow Central Mosque and a former convener of Strathclyde Joint Police Board, said: "Ethnic officers should be used more often when certain expertise is required in interpretation, or mediation between certain groups. I also believe ethnic officers should be promoted to higher positions.
"However, I would say that Strathclyde Police already has better community relations than many other forces."
Police associations of Muslim officers south of the border already have some 1800 members.
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