Tag Archives: tony cochrane

Police Scotland go too far again – and the irony behind Rennie’s reaction

By Caron Lindsay | Wed 9th September 2015 - 9:11 am

Another day, another example of Police Scotland’s disrespect for civil liberties. Hot on the heels of arming police on routine duties on quiet highland streets against the wishes of the local community and pursuing a highly illiberal stop and search policy, interspersed with some casual spying on journalists, we now have compulsory drug testing outside nightclubs. From the Daily Record:

Customers queuing outside clubs have been approached by officers who swab their hands for traces of illegal substances.

Those who don’t co-operate are refused entry while those who test positive are questioned and face being searched and arrested.

Politicians and licensed trade bosses yesterday criticised the tactic as heavy-handed and a breach of young people’s rights.

I have never ever been an enthusiastic nightclubber, but this actually makes me want to go and protest against such disproportionate action. How dare the Police, who would have no reason to suspect me of any breach of the law, stop me going about my lawful business because I refuse to comply with an arbitrary check. This must surely be a good issue for some cross-campus campaigning as universities resume.