Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00021/25
The Complaints
The complaint in this case arose after the applicant reported a child welfare concern to the police, and at a later date, reported a criminal allegation to the police. The applicant rented a property to a work colleague, who had a young child. The applicant visited this property and reported concern for the child within due to the condition of the property. At a later date, the applicant’s work colleague reported the applicant to the police. When the police attended at the applicant’s address, the applicant attempted to report a criminal allegation against his work colleague
We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely that:
The applicant reported the state of his flat with a young child within to the police, but the police failed to take action; and
The applicant tried to report an alleged crime to the police but no action was taken.
Police Scotland's Decision
Police Scotland did not uphold either of the applicant’s complaints.
Our Findings
We have found that Police Scotland did not handle either complaint to a reasonable standard.
Consequently, we have made two recommendations to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland conduct further necessary and proportionate enquiries in relation to both complaints. Thereafter, Police Scotland should provide the applicant with a well-reasoned further response, which outlines whether the complaints are upheld or not upheld and the rationale for the conclusions reached.
We have also identified two learning points relative to Police Scotland’s administration of the complaints.
Our recommendations and learning points should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.
Police Bodies: Police Scotland