A report from the Scottish Police Authority has shown that between April and December of 2013 there was a significant increase in stop and search numbers in Fife (414.1%), Perth and Kinross (236.4%) and Stirling (130.5%).
Whilst supportive of stop and search powers Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has raised questions over the current nature of its use in his electoral region.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Stop and search is a valuable tool to detect and deter crime, but only if used proportionately and not abused.
"There are questions around the consistency of stop and searches, particularly with regards to younger people.
“Huge surges in those searched in Perth and Kinross, Fife and Stirling must be justified by the Police Force. A one-size-fits-all approach can’t and won’t work and Police Scotland should be alert to this.
“We want stop and search to remain a valuable tool to detect and deter crime, but to achieve this objective the process has to be transparent and accountable.”