Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaint in this case arose after the applicant was reported to the Procurator Fiscal for a contravention of section 2(1) of the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016.

1. on 24 January 2021, police did not provide an appropriate adult when charging the applicant, knowing he had autism;
2. on the same date, police did not conduct a thorough investigation into all matters, including coercive and controlling behaviour by a witness; and
3. in November 2021, police did not inform the applicant of an additional charge.

Police Scotland's Decision

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

Our Findings

We have found that Police Scotland handled complaint 3 to a reasonable standard but not so complaints 1 and 2 

We have made three recommendations to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland, reassess the available information and, in light of our observations, issue the applicant with a further response which provides him with an explanation for the determination reached. 

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

Policing Bodies: Police Scotland