Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaint in this case arose after the applicant reported his neighbour’s behaviour to police. We have reviewed the handling of four complaints, namely that: 

1. Police Scotland did not treat the applicant’s allegations against his neighbour as criminal in nature;
2. the applicant believes that he and his wife have been treated with indifference by the police, based on their age;
3. the applicant made a report of perceived racism, or anti-English bias, about his neighbour, which was dismissed by officers; and
4. Police Scotland’s failure to act was motivated by misogyny.

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 identified a learning point in relation to obtaining statements from complainers during a complaint enquiry which are clear and detailed in relation to all complaints made

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

Outcome

Police Scotland implemented 1 learning point in this case. In doing so we were provided with confirmation that the learning was shared with, and accepted by, the enquiry officer. In addition, Police Scotland included a summary of the learning in its Learning Point Report, which was shared with all complaint handling staff. 

Police Bodies: Police Scotland