Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00528/22
The Complaint
The complaints in this case arose following the applicant being the subject of a ‘stop and search’ whilst walking on a public street. We have reviewed the handling of four complaints, namely that:
- On 12 October 2022, officers stopped and searched the applicant stating this was because he looked suspicious, but there was insufficient reason to stop and search him;
- The applicant was stopped and searched due to his race;
- An officer smirked and laughed at the applicant when he had a panic attack due to the interaction with the police; and
- Officers lacked empathy when the applicant had a panic attack.
Police Scotland’s Decision
Police Scotland did not uphold any of the applicant’s complaints.
Our Findings
We have found that Police Scotland handled all of the applicant’s complaints to a reasonable standard.
However, we have made two learning points to address shortcomings that we identified in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints. In summary, we have highlighted the importance of officers providing their own independent accounts to inform a complaint enquiry; and of the police complaint handlers being familiar with the PIRC’s Statutory Guidance provisions in respect of the types of complaint that are suitable for FLR and ‘non-investigation’.
Our learning points should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.
Outcome
Police Scotland implemented our learning points in this case by issuing regional force guidance through their monthly bulletin for CHRs and National Territorial Specialist Division Commander’s Report.
Police Bodies : Police Scotland