Complaint Handling Reviews

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Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00712/23

02 May 2024
Content

The Complaints

The complaint in this case arose after the applicant was reported to Police Scotland by his estranged wife for various offences. We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely that: 

  1. Police Scotland has shown bias and not applied due diligence when investigating domestic abuse allegations, by allowing the applicant’s wife to lead the direction of the investigation; and

  2. the applicant was treated dismissively when he repeatedly tried to report domestic abuse 

Police Scotland's Decision

Police Scotland did not uphold either of the applicant’s complaints.

Our Findings

We have found that Police Scotland did not handle either of the applicant’s complaints to a reasonable standard. 

Consequently, we have made two recommendations to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints. Consequently, we recommend that Police Scotland should carry out any necessary and proportionate enquiries and issue the applicant with a fresh response which specifically addresses his complaints and provides a clear and detailed rationale for the determination reached.

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

Outcome

Police Scotland implemented two recommendations in this case. In doing so, Police Scotland sought further accounts from the officers involved, as well as conducting other enquiries, it then assessed the information available and issued the applicant with a well-reasoned response, which clearly explained why the complaints remained not upheld.

Police Bodies: Police Scotland

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