Proposals to prevent the contents of reports from internal investigations into police misconduct being disclosed in court have been drawn up by Scotland's largest force.

Strathclyde Police want to classify information gained in inquiries into complaints against officers as confidential.

The force's joint police board has made a formal request to the Scottish Executive asking for legislation making the contents of internal investigations confidential.

Freedom of Information campaigners described the plans as "draconian" and said that such a blanket exemption is open to abuse.

The proposals came from Strathclyde Police

The proposals by Strathclyde Joint Police Board seek "legislation conferring on reports submitted by investigating officers ... a statutory confidentiality thus ensuring that the content of such reports were not obliged to be produced either to an administrative tribunal or to a court".

The board has asked the Scottish Executive to consider whether that "in order to maintain the integrity of the investigation process, a form of statutory confidentiality should be accorded to investigating officer's reports, in respect of both senior officers and all other ranks".

Police say that the move will protect the confidentiality of witness statements in cases brought against all serving officers.

But civil liberties campaigners are worried by the proposals.

Confidential status

David Goldberg of the Scottish Campaign for Freedom of Information said that such blanket confidentiality always rings "alarm bells".

He said that there should be tests to determine the criteria under which a document or report attracts confidential status.

A report should only be confidential if there could be substantial harm caused by its release or if it was against the public interest to make the document available, he said.

Amnesty International also expressed concern at the proposals.

Spokesman Neil Durkin said: "Amnesty International would be concerned at any measures that obstruct openness and full transparency into necessary investigations into alleged wrongdoing."

Disciplinary matters

He added that public confidence would be eroded by secrecy.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said the recommendations had been submitted "to protect the privacy of voluntary statements given in disciplinary matters".

The Scottish Executive said it had received the proposals.

It said ministers will consider their response and a white paper on dealing with complaints against the police will be published at the end of the year.