Protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms afforded to individuals under the European Convention on Human Rights has been a priority within the Scottish Police Service since the birth of the Convention in 1953. Police Officers stand out amongst all others in safeguarding these Rights.
The forthcoming introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998 has placed even greater emphasis on our commitment in this regard. Accordingly ACPOS has, for some time now, been assisting the service in preparing for this new legislation by conducting procedural reviews, developing training and offering guidance.
More recently a full time Human Rights Group has been set up at the Scottish Police College under the auspices of the ACPOS General Policing Standing Committee. The Group consists of a Chief Inspector, Inspector and Sergeant and will provide specialist advice and assistance on Human Rights issues to both the Scottish Forces and ACPOS Committees.