Exclusive: Anger as SNP put pictures of police officers on election leaflets

Jul 19 2008 By Kevin Schofield POLICE last night called on the SNP to apologise for putting a picture of two officers on a by-election leaflet. Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill is shown with Central Scotland officers and the slogan: "SNP On Your Side - Fighting Back Against The Gangs". The face of one policeman is clearly visible in the picture. The leaflets - which went through doors in Glasgow East - picture SNP candidate John Mason, too. Police are banned from taking part in political activity. Central Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Iain Macleod said: "This picture was taken during an official ministerial visit and was used without our knowledge." Scottish Police Federation general secretary Joe Grant said it was "simply wrong" because it gave the impression the officer endorsed the SNP candidate. He said: "I presume... [read full story]