ONE of Scotland's top cops has today defended the number of on-the-spot searches carried out by police officers.
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson believes "targeted and intelligence-led" searches are an effective tactic in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
Between April and December last year, there were 519,213 stop and searches carried out in Scotland.
Police said that the number of on-the-spot searches fell by 0.2% from the previous year.
However, there was an increase in positive results from 13.9% in 2012/13, to 19.7% last year.
A "positive" stop and search results in arrests being made, and weapons, alcohol, drugs, or stolen property being confiscated.
Mr Mawson said: "Stop and search is one of a number of lawful policing tactics we are able to use to reduce violent crime and tackle anti-social behaviour.
"Local communities tell us that reducing violent crime and having a visible presence on our streets is a priority."
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