Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00562/22
The Complaints
The complaints in this case arose after the applicant’s home was searched under warrant.. We have reviewed the handling of four complaints, namely that:
- Police officers forced entry into the applicant’s home without allowing the applicant the opportunity to open the door to them;
- Police officers removed prescription medication not covered under the warrant;
- Police officers lied by saying they had interviewed the applicant regarding his prescription medication; and
- Police officers failed to provide the applicant with an update.
Police Scotland’s Decision
Police Scotland did not uphold any of the applicant’s complaints.
Our Findings
We have found that Police Scotland handled complaints 1 – 3 to a reasonable standard but not so complaint 4.
Consequently, we have made a recommendation to address the shortcoming in Police Scotland’s handling of complaint 4. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland re-contact the applicant to clarify his meaning in relation to complaint 4 and thereafter provide him with a further response. We have also made a learning point to address a complaint assessment shortcoming we identified in complaint 2.
Our recommendation and learning point should be completed by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.
Outcome
Police Scotland implemented the recommendation made in this case. Police Scotland re-contacted the applicant and established the exact nature of his complaint. Police Scotland undertook further enquiries and thereafter provided the applicant with a further response which clearly explained the rationale for the determination reached. The complaint remains not upheld.
Police Scotland also completed a learning point issued during our review by disseminating learning we identified to officers involved in the assessment of complaints.
Police Bodies : Police Scotland