Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose after the applicant’s dog was injured by her neighbour’s dog.

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

1. on 15 August 2023, the applicant’s dog was injured by another dog, and she was unhappy with the police investigation into the matter; and
2. on the same date, an officer informed the applicant that as there would be criminal charges, the dog owner would not pay the applicant’s vet bill, the officer later stated that she did not say this and had arranged payment for the vet bill. 

Police Scotland's Decision

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

Our Findings

We have found that Police Scotland handled both the applicant’s complaints to a reasonable standard.

We have issued a learning point to address a shortcoming identified in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints.

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

Outcome

Police Scotland accepted and cascaded the learning point we identified to the relevant complaint handling officer. The officer acknowledged the learning point in relation to their complaint handling practices.

Police Bodies: Police Scotland