Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose as a result of police attendance at the applicant’s home on two separate occasions.

1. We have reviewed the handling of seven complaints, namely that: 
   Police officers attended the applicant’s home and asked to check her garden for stolen chairs in August 2021;
2. On 9 February 2020, police officers attended the applicant’s home regarding a concern for her children;
3. Police officers deceived the applicant to gain access to her home in August 2021;
4. A police officer was rude to the applicant when she declined to open her door, and shouted at her “open the door now” in a loud and aggressive manner during attendance at her home in August 2021;
5. Police officers should have had a search warrant to enter and search the applicant’s property in February 2020;
6. Police officers carried out a comprehensive search of the applicant’s home including her personal effects, cupboards, wardrobe, fridge, toilet and underwear drawer when they entered her property in February 2020; and
7. In February 2020, police officers refused to state the reason for their presence at the applicant’s home.

Police Scotland’s Decision

Police Scotland did not uphold any of the applicant’s complaints.

Our Findings

We have found that Police Scotland handled complaints 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 to a reasonable standard but not so complaint 4. Consequently, we have made a recommendation to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of complaint 4.

In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland conducts any necessary proportionate enquiries and provides the applicant with a well-reasoned further response on this complaint.

Our recommendation should be completed by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.

Outcome

Police Scotland implemented our recommendation in this case by conducting further enquiries, and providing the applicant with a further response to her complaint. The complaint remained not upheld and the rationale for this decision was clearly outlined in the further response to the applicant.

Police Bodies : Police Scotland