Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00280/25
The Complaints
The complaints in this case arose after the applicant reported to the police that her car had been damaged by another motor vehicle. The applicant complained about the sufficiency and outcome of the police investigation into her report.
We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely that:
After the applicant reported a 'hit and run' road traffic offence to the police, the subject officer told her that he had traced the driver, who admitted liability, but the police refused to charge anyone with the offence; and
The applicant provided the details of three independent witnesses to the hit and run accident but, after speaking with only one, the subject officer informed her that there was not enough evidence and the driver of the other vehicle would not be charged.
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 made two recommendations to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland re-assesses the available information and conducts any necessary and proportionate further enquiries in relation to these complaints. Thereafter, Police Scotland should provide the applicant with a well-reasoned further response, which outlines whether the complaints are upheld or not upheld and clearly explains the rationale for the determinations reached.
We have also identified three learning points for Police Scotland. The first relates to the importance of divisional officers responding to Frontline Resolution attempts; the second relates to identifying and disseminating learning during complaint enquiries; and the third relates to triage of priority complaints.
Our recommendations and learning points should be completed by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.
Police Bodies: Police Scotland