Scotland’s police have been criticized for labeling paedophiles as “attracted to minors”.

Police in Scotland have been criticized for labeling pedophiles as “People attracted to minors” in pivotal report raising concerns about mitigating language around child abuse.

The document, which assessed the force’s performance over the past year, detailed that Police Scotland had been working to support a European project to “counter the effects of child sexual exploitation”.

Regarding this project, the report states: “The main agenda of this project is to develop an understanding and approach to prevent child victimization by involving and engaging with Minor Attracted People (MAPs). the necessary support, treatment and guidance are provided to prevent criminal activity.’

Police of Scotland have been criticized for calling pedophiles “people attracted to minors” in a crucial report at the end of the year (file image).

A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives told MailOnline that many would find the language used to neutralize sexual attraction to children “deeply disturbing and wrong”.

They said: “Pedophilia-related offenses are among the most appalling and unforgivable crimes anyone can commit and it is important that Police Scotland policy reflects this.

“Most Scots will find any attempt to soften the language surrounding pedophilia in official guidance to be deeply disturbing and wrong.”

Outrage also erupted on Twitter, with one user writing: “Wake up parents! And everyone who cares about child protection! There is a “MAP” creep as I mentioned in a recent video! What a shame that Police Scotland call pedophiles MAP – attracted to minors! How dare you!”

Another added: “It’s clear our institutions #bekind are taking it too far.”

Despite complaints, a Scottish police force stressed that police do not use the term “people attracted to minors” in relation to paedophiles.

The force explained that the reference was quoted from the proposed agenda of an EU political group.

A spokesman said: “Scottish Police do not use the term minor. The reference in the 2021/22 police performance assessment related to our engagement with the Horizon Project EU consortium to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation.

“The term was used in the consortium’s procurement documents and is more commonly used on the continent.

“Representatives of the Scottish Police successfully lobbied in September to ensure that the term MAP is not used by the Consortium.”