Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaint in this case arose after the applicant was subject of a number of criminal investigations. Between 2019 and 2023, the police seized several items belonging to the applicant as productions. On one occasion, police officers entered the applicant’s home with a warrant to search his property. The applicant later returned to his address and was arrested and conveyed to the police station.

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

1. On 24 March 2023, whilst under arrest, an officer did not allow the applicant to place purchased food in the fridge prior to transporting him to custody, causing the food to be ruined; and
2. Items that were seized during various police investigations, including several phones and a jacket, have not been returned to the applicant. 

Police Scotland's Decision

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

Our Findings

We have found that Police Scotland handled complaint 1 to a reasonable standard but not so complaint 2. 

Consequently, we have made a single recommendation to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of complaint 2. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland conduct further necessary and proportionate enquiries into complaint 2 and reassess the material information available. Thereafter, Police Scotland should provide the applicant with a well-reasoned further response letter, which outlines whether the complaints are upheld or not upheld and the rationale for the conclusion reached.

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

Policing Bodies: Police Scotland