Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose following the applicant’s arrest in connection with alleged stalking. We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely that: 

1. On 24 February 2023 police officers arrested the applicant when there was no evidence that he had committed a crime. 
2. On 24 February 2023 police officers did not take evidence from the applicant when he offered it. 

Police Scotland's Decision

Police Scotland upheld complaint 1, but not so complaint 2.

Our Findings

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

We have not made any recommendation in respect of the shortcomings we identified in the handling of complaint 2. However, we have made a recommendation in connection with an administrative matter relating to complaint 1. In summary, we recommend that Police Scotland re-categorise complaint 1 and consider whether any learning is identified for the officers who were involved in the decision to arrest the applicant. 

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

Police Bodies: Police Scotland