Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose following an encounter between two British Transport Police officers and the applicant at a train station. 

We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely that: 

1. A blow to the applicant’s face appeared to occur outside a named train station after an encounter with the police, causing bleeding and bruising with no justification for the use of force, and
2. An officer made threats to arrest the applicant, without justification, along with serious accusations.

British Transport Police's Decision

British Transport Police did not uphold either of the applicant’s complaints. 

Our Findings

We have found that British Transport Police handled complaint 1 to a reasonable standard but not so complaint 2. 

Consequently, we have made a recommendation for British Transport Police to address the shortcomings in the handling of complaint 2. In summary, we have recommended that British Transport Police conducts any necessary and proportionate further enquiries into the complaint. Thereafter, British Transport Police should provide the applicant with a well-reasoned further response, which outlines whether the complaint is upheld or not upheld and clearly explains the rationale for the determination reached. 

We have also identified two learning points for British Transport Police in relation to the creation of written guidance for assessing criminal on-duty allegations against officers, and compliance with our statutory guidance in respect of obtaining statements from complainers, subject officers and other witnesses.

Our recommendation and learning points should be implemented by British Transport Police within two months of the date of this report.

Policing Bodies: British Transport Police