Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00515/22
The Complaints
The complaints in this case arose after the applicant reported to the police that a dog had bitten her son (Child A). We have reviewed the handling of seven complaints, namely that:
- officers pre-judged the outcome of the applicant’s report that a dog had bitten Child A before obtaining any details of the incident;
- officers failed to take into account photographs and hospital reports relating to Child A’s injuries during their enquiries.
- Officers investigating the incident failed to act impartially;
- Police Scotland do not have a robust process in place to deal with crimes of this nature to ensure that they are dealt with consistently;
- Officers closed the case based on statements provided by the owners of the dog, without fully considering the information provided by the applicant.
- Officers failed to note that the dog mauled Child A with its back molars as teeth had been removed.
- An officer provided the owners of the dog with an update on the case, but the applicant was not provided with any updates.
Police Scotland’s Decision
Police Scotland did not uphold any of the applicant’s complaints.
Our Findings
We have found that Police Scotland 1, 3, 4 ,5 ,6 and 7 to a reasonable standard but not so complaint 2.
Consequently, we have made a single recommendation to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of complaint 2. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland reassesses the available information and thereafter provides the applicant with a further well-reasoned response that takes our observations into account. We have also identified a learning point related to the administration of the complaint.
Our recommendation and learning point should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.
Outcome
Police Scotland implemented the recommendation made in this case. In doing so, they reassessed the matter and provided the applicant with a further response which was well reasoned.
Police Bodies : Police Scotland