Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00090/23
The Complaints
The complaints in this case arose when the applicant reported an allegation of theft and reset to Police Scotland. This related to bottles of whisky and other spirits which had been stored in his property.
We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely:
Police Scotland’s delay in acting on the applicant’s report of theft prejudiced the return of the stolen whisky to him; and
The applicant was dissatisfied with the efforts made by the police to investigate the theft of his whisky, with no criminal charges brought against the person who purchased the stolen items.
Police Scotland’s Decision
Police Scotland did not uphold 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 made two recommendations and have issued two learning points to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland conduct further enquiry, reassess the applicant’s complaints, and provide him with a fresh response.
Our recommendations and learning points should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.
Outcome
Police Scotland implemented two recommendations and two learning points identified in this case. In doing so, Police Scotland conducted further enquiries, and provided the applicant with a well-reasoned further response. Consequently, one of the two complaints was upheld. Furthermore, Police Scotland appropriately disseminated learning to the relevant complaint handling officers and also cascaded this to the wider PSD team. The officer acknowledged and accepted the learning point in relation to their complaint handling practices.
Police Bodies: Police Scotland