Police Scotland will no longer record people with HIV as “contagious” in its intelligence database after a charity raised concerns.
HIV Scotland wrote to the force to ask whether it holds information about an individual’s HIV status on the Scottish Intelligence Database (SID) and whether it is stored under an “infectious” marker.
Police replied in March that a “contagious” indicator was added to people with HIV but that this practice would be immediately reviewed. In June the force said that people with HIV would no longer be logged as contagious and existing information detailing HIV status will be removed.
Alan Speirs, assistant chief constable, said: “SID is an essential resource that allows police officers to carry out their role safely and effectively. We regularly review intelligence that is retained to make sure it is appropriate and complies with data laws.
