Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose from historical interactions that the applicant had with a legacy police force whilst suffering with mental health issues. On various dates in 2006, the applicant was arrested and charged after standing on a parapet of a bridge which resulted in police attendance. On one occasion, whilst the applicant was trying to lower himself safety, he slipped and fell from height sustaining life changing injuries.

We have reviewed the handling of four complaints, namely that: 

1. In 2006, the applicant was repeatedly arrested for a crime whilst suffering a mental health crisis.
2. In 2006, whilst in custody, the applicant was not provided with a mental health assessment.
3. Whilst in custody, the applicant was placed in a police cell with no clothes and only a blanket, the lights were kept on, and he was watched on camera; and
4. The applicant’s report of a sexual offence that he made to the police 2006 was dismissed.

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.

We have identified a learning point to address a shortcoming in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints and also a learning point which relates to good practice demonstrated during the complaint enquiry and final response letter.  

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

Outcome

Police Scotland implemented both learning points in this case. One learning point was for good practice and the other was in relation to when it is appropriate to apply certain non-investigation provisions when dealing with complaints. Both learning points were disseminated to the Inspector and Enquiry Officer and both were accepted.

Police Bodies: Police Scotland