Extra police to aid terror fight

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/8110839.stm

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Fifty more experts are to be drafted into the fight against terrorism in Scotland at a cost of £1.75m, the Scottish Government has announced.

Security advisors, intelligence experts and financial investigators will fill the bulk of the new police posts.

It is hoped the move will help police combat terrorist activity, while also working with communities to raise awareness of violent extremism.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said terrorism is a real threat to Scotland.

He said: "The Glasgow Airport attack of two years ago showed that Scotland is not immune from that threat, and that is why we all need to work together to reduce the possibility of another terrorist attack in this country.

"The Scottish Government is fully committed to the fight against international terrorism and that is why we are equipping our police forces to tackle this threat.

Kenny MacAskill said co-operation is key to beating terrorism

"These additional counter-terrorism officers will help to make our country more secure and allow the police to work with communities to raise awareness of terrorism and related issues to make Scotland a safer place."

He added: "We will continue to work with other jurisdictions, south of the border and elsewhere, to ensure the safety of all our citizens and that those who seek to disrupt our way of life to perpetrate terror are prosecuted for their crimes."

Mr MacAskill also said senior police officers are working with the government and other bodies to develop a Scottish approach to preventing terrorism, focusing on communications, knowledge and understanding and better co-ordination.

The Scottish Government now spends about £14m a year in dedicated funding to Scotland's police forces to tackle terrorism.