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| Equality and Diversity - Religion |
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Religion/faith may be only one factor in a closely connected cultural and ethnic identity. It is often difficult to separate religion
and culture. However, we do know that religiously motivated crimes can have as great an impact on individuals as those directed against
their race.
We aim to ensure that such incidents are being captured and monitored consistently and effectively to influence national, as well as local strategies and policy and to ensure that necessary support is being provided to victims. There are many religions, faiths and belief groups in Tayside. Some faiths are more easily recognised, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism, whilst others such as Baha’i, Jain, Shinto, Taoist and Zoroastrian may not be so familiar. We accept that not everyone has a religion and not all religions/faiths/beliefs are legally recognised. Therefore religious hate crime is determined by the main legislation used by the police in Scotland to report offences which are aggravated by religious prejudice – Section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act, 2003. This legislation covers offences aggravated by religious prejudice towards any of the world's religious groups or of groups who are perceived to have some form of religious affiliation. The legislation also covers incidents and crimes motivated by the victim having no religion. National and international events often have impact on religious groups in Scotland, increasing fears and concerns which can result in people feeling more isolated from mainstream society and more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. This can particularly be the case for those who are visibly identifiable with their faith. In order to address these concerns, we work closely with our faith communities and relevant organisations through our divisional community liaison and safety partnerships. In addition, the Tayside Police Equality and Diversity Lay Advisory Group has representation from all of the main religious groups in Tayside. Tayside Police is also actively involved in the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) Religion/Faith Reference Group which has developed a national action plan to assist individual forces to promote equality for faith based communities. The plan also recognises and aims to influence the recommendations contained within the Law at Work Independent Review into Policing and Race Relations in Scotland and, where appropriate, address the issues raised. It will be regularly reviewed within the quarterly meetings of the group to ensure that the aim and objectives continue to reflect the key issues affecting individuals and communities. • Download the ACPOS Religion and Faith Action Plan (PDF) 
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