Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose following Police Scotland’s involvement in an ongoing neighbour dispute. 

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

1. over the last five years, Police Scotland did not properly investigate several incidents concerning a neighbour dispute;
2. during this time, officers provided the applicant with incorrect information and advice, which when followed, led to the applicant and his family being contacted, warned or charged by officers;
3. on several occasions, an officer was rude and uncivil towards the applicant and his family, including during a telephone call with the applicants mother;
4. on 30 January 2018, an officer was condescending and arrogant towards the applicant and his father when he attended to remove firearms; and
5. on the same date, an officer did not treat the firearms with care when removing them.

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 3, 4 and 5 to a reasonable standard, but not so complaints 1 and 2. 

Consequently, we have made two recommendations and identified two learning points to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints. 

Our recommendations and learning points should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of of the date of the report.

Police Bodies : Police Scotland