Report - Police Scotland - PIRC/00858/24
The Complaints
The complaints in this case arose after the police investigated reports made by the applicant’s neighbour against him. The applicant and his neighbour have had ongoing issues for a long period of time, which have resulted in both parties contacting the police on various occasions. Two incidents were investigated by the police relating to the applicant stalking his neighbour, and driving in a careless manner. The police arrested and charged the applicant with both matters and reported them to the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). We have reviewed the handling of five complaints, namely that:
There was no evidence to support a criminal investigation against the applicant;
There is no evidence to show that the applicant’s conduct amounted to a stalking and harassment offence, as there were no specific dates/occasions;
There was insufficient evidence to charge the applicant with any offence;
Officers failed to carry out a sufficient investigation into the applicant’s concerns about his neighbour’s CCTV camera and whether they displayed statutory notices about the CCTV;
The officer should not have repeated or accepted the allegation that the applicant believed his neighbour to be a paedophile.
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.
Notwithstanding, we have identified two learning points relative to Police Scotland’s administration of the complaints.
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, one relating to record keeping and another relating to good practice by the complaint handlers identifying learning opportunities. This learning was shared to the staff involved and disseminated through the learning point bulletin.
Police Bodies: Police Scotland