Police in Fife have defended a 600% rise in the use of stop and search tactics across the region, claiming it is preventing crime.
In a report to Fife Council’s police transition committee, concerned members heard the force had carried out 2,408 searches on suspected criminals from April to June this year.
Last year the figure for the same period stood at a mere 402.
Police say stop and search which allows officers to look for weapons, stolen goods and alcohol and drugs is working.
In Glenrothes, according to the police, rather than fearing the power could see discrimination against community groups, the public is positively welcoming it.
Chief Superintendent Garry McEwan said: “At the Glenwood Centre in Glenrothes, some officers were being applauded in the street for their pro-active approach.”
He assured committee members that police were not working to overall targets but did pay close attention to results.
“There has been an increase of 600% but I add the caveat that in previous years stop and searches were not always recorded,” he said.
“Here in Fife we have an almost one-in-four stop and search success rate. Using the tactic is working well and I am supportive of it as long as what we are doing is successful and it is not used on individuals who do not merit it it has to be intelligence-led.”
Data revealed the vast majority of stop and searches were carried out in four Fife hotspots: Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes, Levenmouth and Dunfermline, mostly on Friday nights.
Police maintain this action has directly contributed to a reduction in robberies and serious assaults.
Chief Superintendent McEwan added: “A significant proportion of that figure coming down is doing stop and searches at the right time, in the right place and to the right individuals.”
The chairman of the Police Transition Committee, Councillor Gavin Yates, requested search type, age and ethnicity data. “The public want to know that the police are not acting willy-nilly,” he said.