POLICE Scotland has moved to tackle fears that the creation of a new ‘intelligence commissioner’ role would lead to ‘witch trials’ in the licensed trade.
A recent article in The Herald suggested Police Scotland is pushing ahead with proposals to create a commissioner.
The purpose of the role, which was first floated by the police last year, would be to advise licensing boards on whether or not an individual applying for a business licence is involved in organised crime, based on intelligence provided by the police.
However, a spokesman for Police Scotland said proposals are still “an early concept” and that the creation of the new role would require a change to current legislation.
He added that the process would allow police “to impart information in the same way we impart information to a sheriff to get a warrant”.
