Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose after the applicant was convicted of theft. The applicant complained that Police Scotland did not return his vehicle, items of his property, and a sum of money to him following his arrest and the conclusion of his criminal trial. 

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

1. In January 2019, Police Scotland disposed of the applicant’s vehicle without notifying him or giving him the opportunity to collect it.
2. In September 2021, Police Scotland failed to return property which was in the applicant’s vehicle when it was seized in November 2018, and
3. In September 2021, Police Scotland failed to return a sum of money which was in the applicant’s vehicle when it was seized in November 2018.

Police Scotland's Decision

Police Scotland did not uphold the applicant’s complaints. 

Our Findings

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

However, we have identified an individual learning point in relation to the utilisation of the Frontline Resolution provision of the PIRC statutory guidance. 

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

Outcome

Police Scotland implemented the learning point made in this case. In doing so, they appropriately disseminated learning to the relevant complaint handler about the use of the Frontline Resolution provisions in the PIRC Statutory Guidance. Confirmation of this learning being accepted was provided by the officer’s line manager.

Police Bodies: Police Scotland