Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00033/23
The Complaints
The complaints in this case arose after the applicant was arrested and held in police custody. We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely that:
- The cell the applicant was held in was too cold; and
- The applicant was not provided with food whilst being held in police custody.
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 of the applicant’s complaints to a reasonable standard.
Consequently, we have issued two reconsideration directions to Police Scotland to address the shortcomings in the handling of the complaints.
In summary, we have directed that Police Scotland conducts any further enquiries as necessary; reassesses the complaints taking cognisance of our observations; considers all available information to reach a well-reasoned position on the outcome of the complaints; and provides the applicant with further responses that clearly explain the rationale for the outcomes reached.
Our reconsideration directions should be completed by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.
Outcome
Police Scotland implemented the two reconsideration directions given in this case. In doing so, they conducted necessary and proportionate further enquiries in line with the observations made in the CHR report. Police Scotland provided the applicant with a detailed further response which outlined those enquiries and clearly articulated the rationale for the determinations reached. One complaint is now upheld, while the other remains not upheld.
Police Bodies : Police Scotland