A rise in the number of youths being searched by police in Dundee has been criticised by children’s campaigners.
Figures have revealed the number of children being stopped and searched has increased threefold over the past year.
Those aged 10-15 were targeted by officers in the city 776 times in 2013-14 compared to the 194 in 2012-13 a 300% rise.
Numbers have also increased by 129% for those aged 16-19, from 890 to 2,046.
Keiran Watson, of Dundee-based children’s care charity Eighteen and Under, said the police’s approach may cause more friction than necessary with youngsters.
Broughty Ferry councillor Laurie Bidwell said: “It is clear that there is a significant increase in stop and searches on children since the change from Tayside Police to Police Scotland.
“I’m concerned about it and I have joined with other councillors in questioning Police Scotland about why they are doing it.”
David Hamilton, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said officers have been directed by Sir Stephen House, the chief constable of Police Scotland, to increase stop and searches in a bid to reduce violent crime.
He said: “If we see fewer assaults then that’s a positive, but if we don’t then we have to ask if this change is appropriate.”