Police could be given the power to force people to remove balaclavas
Police in Scotland could be given new powers to force people to remove balaclavas and other face coverings, after the proposal was backed by David Linden, SNP MSP and convener of Holyrood's Criminal Justice Committee. Linden said groups of young men dressed all in black and wearing balaclavas are "terrifying" communities, and warned he feared someone could be seriously injured or killed if the issue is not addressed, particularly in urban areas.
Linden, MSP for Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston, also linked the problem to an "epidemic" of masked young people riding e-bikes and e-scooters, and said he would explore similar action to that recently taken in Nottingham, where police and council officers can now order the removal of face coverings used to conceal identity during anti-social behaviour. He said he wants to work with the Justice Secretary on possible new legislation. David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, backed the call, saying officers need clearer legal powers to require people to unmask so they can be identified, while acknowledging exceptions for religious or medical reasons. Kennedy also raised concern that masked e-bike riders were often not wearing helmets.
- Holyrood committee convener backs new police powers over face coverings
- MSP cites fear over masked youths, e-bike riders "terrifying" communities
- Scottish Police Federation wants law change to allow mask removal
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Police in Scotland do not currently have a specific legal power to make someone remove a balaclava or other face covering, even if officers suspect it is being worn to hide their identity. The proposal now under discussion would change that, giving police clearer authority to order face coverings off in certain situations. It follows growing concern about groups, often young men, wearing all-black clothing and balaclavas in public.
The idea is being championed by David Linden, an SNP MSP who chairs the Scottish Parliament's Criminal Justice Committee, and has the backing of the Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers. Linden has pointed to a similar scheme recently introduced in Nottingham, where police and council staff can already require people to unmask during anti-social behaviour incidents. Any change in Scotland would need new legislation and cooperation from the Scottish government's Justice Secretary.
The issue matters because it touches on public safety, policing powers and personal rights. Supporters link masked groups to intimidation and to a rise in anti-social behaviour involving e-bikes and e-scooters, while any new power would need to balance enforcement with legitimate reasons people cover their faces, such as religious dress or medical conditions.