Report - Police Scotland - PIRC/00362/21
The Complaints
The complaints in this case arose after officers attended at the applicant’s address regarding a road traffic matter. We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely that:
an officer refused to wear a face mask or gloves before entering the applicant’s property; and
an officer used excessive force while trying to gain entry to the applicant’s property by grabbing his wrist and pushing him back into his house, causing his head to hit a wall.
Police Scotland’s Decision
Police Scotland upheld complaint 1 and did not uphold complaint 2.
Our Findings
We have found that Police Scotland complaint 1 to a reasonable standard but not so complaint 2.
We have issued a reconsideration direction to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaint. In reconsidering the complaint, Police Scotland should carry out further enquiries, following which the complaint should be reassessed and a further response sent to the applicant. Our reconsideration direction should be completed by Police Scotland within two months.
Outcome
Police Scotland completed the reconsideration direction in this case. In doing so, they carried out additional enquiries and provided the applicant with a further response.
While the complaint remains not upheld, the further enquiries carried out identified an additional complaint that has subsequently been recorded and upheld by Police Scotland.
Individual learning has also been identified and disseminated appropriately.
Police Bodies : Police Scotland