Senior police officers will be taught about Islam

A number of the force's senior officers are attending a seminar at the Al-Maktoum Institute for Islamic and Arabic Studies.

The one-day course will explain key elements of the religion and culture.

Organisers said it would also discuss ways for the authorities to work with local communities, resulting in effective and sensitive policing.

The Al-Maktoum Institute's acting principal called the Muslims Within Multicultural Scotland event "significant".

Having an understanding of the different cultures living within the communities of Tayside helps us John Vine Tayside Chief Constable

Professor Malory Nye said: "A key role of the Institute is to continue to meet the needs of Scotland by building multicultural bridges.

"We firmly believe that education is the way to defeat extremism and fundamentalism, through a greater understanding of different religions and cultures in a multicultural context.

"As a result, we are delighted to be given this opportunity to work with senior police officers tasked with these duties."

Prof Nye added that the seminar may lead to more in-depth training with the Tayside force.

Chief Constable John Vine said: "The population of Tayside includes a wide mixture of cultures and communities many of whom are attracted by the diverse nature of the employment and education available within the region.

"There are over 100 communities represented within our force area.