The DVD is the latest initiative to crackdown on racist crime

The move aims to raise the confidence of ethnic minority communities in the criminal justice system.

It also provides details of the services available to victims and witnesses.

The Lord Advocate, Elish Angiolini QC, and Sir William Rae, Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, launched the DVD on "Racially Motivated Crime".

The 15-minute programme also provides details of the services available to victims and witnesses, including support to help reduce the trauma of attending court.

There is footage from a real case showing the verbal racist attack by two teenage girls on the staff in a takeaway restaurant.

Those who are interviewed are local residents and business people from the Lanarkshire area, talking about their experiences, either as victims or as representatives of local organisations.

'Build confidence'

Ms Angiolini said: "Racist crime is a reality in Scotland; that is the unfortunate truth.

"This DVD, although it will not eradicate racist crime, will assist people in Scotland to better understand our criminal justice system, and help to build confidence to ensure that people feel more able to report instances of racist crime.

"There is no place for racism in a civilised society."

Mr Rae said: "I am delighted that officers from both South and North Lanarkshire have had the opportunity to be involved in such a worthwhile project.

"We at Strathclyde Police fully appreciate the difficulties faced by people who are the victims of a racially motivated crime at all stages of the criminal justice process.

"However, I am sure that this excellent DVD will help to reduce any fears of the process and increase confidence in the system to deal fairly and effectively with any reported incidents."