BBC: Scotland's first Muslim Police Association is being created in an attempt to encourage more Muslims to join and stay in the force.
Strathclyde Police hopes the group will also help tackle Islamophobia and improve understanding of Islam.
Pc Amar Shakoor, who was Scotland's first Muslim officer, said negativity had recently been directed towards the Muslim community.
He said the association hoped to put Islam in a more positive light.
"We want to highlight some of the positive things Islam can provide to the communities and not just the police services," he said.
According to Pc Shakoor, since the 9/11 World Trade Centre Attack, London tube bombings and Glasgow Airport attempted bombings, Muslims have faced suspicion and increasing scrutiny.
He said links were now more important than ever and one of the best ways to do this was to recruit more Muslim officers.
Strathclyde Police, which has more than 7,000 officers, has only about 31 Muslim officers among its ranks.
Earlier this year, Chief Constable Steve House met Muslim officers in England who had started a similar group. It has been quite successful, not only within the Muslim community, but also in tackling institutional issues within their own police forces. Police Bid to Tackle Islamophobia >>> By Imtiaz Tyab | May 9, 2008
SCOTSMAN:
Muslim Police Group to Tackle Anti-Islam Prejudices >>> By Lucinda Cameron | May 10, 2008
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback - UK)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback - UK)
