Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00935/24
The Complaints
The complaints in this case arose after an officer attended the applicant’s home in response to reports of anti-social behaviour that had been made about her. The officer entered the applicant’s property with her and warned her that she may be made the subject of an application for an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO). Following disclosures by the applicant, the officer also made a referral to the applicant’s GP and added an entry to Police Scotland’s Vulnerable Person Database (VPD).
We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely that:
on 5 September 2024, the applicant was dissatisfied with the officer that attended at her home address and the way that he spoke to her, threatening to arrest her; and
- on 28 December 2024, the letter provided to her by an officer did not contain the written apology she had requested.
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 a recommendation and identified two learning points to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints. In summary, we recommend that Police Scotland undertake further enquiry, reassess complaint one and provides the applicant with a further response. Our recommendation and learning points should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.
Outcome
Police Scotland implemented 1 recommendation in this case. In doing so, Police Scotland conducted further enquiries, including obtaining an account from the subject officer and reviewing documentation recording third party involvement in the incident. Thereafter, Police Scotland provided the applicant with a further response which was well reasoned and with a clear rationale for the complaint remaining not upheld. Police Scotland also implemented two learning points: one relating to the importance of auditable records being kept of all complaint enquiries; and another relating to the importance of an adequate process of quality assurance for final response letters. This learning was shared with and accepted by the staff involved.
Police Bodies: Police Scotland