Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose when the applicant reported incidents of vandalism and harassment to the police. Specifically, he reported damage to his vehicle and objects being thrown at his home. On each occasion, Police Scotland advised the applicant that no criminality could be established.

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

1. Police Scotland have not dealt with his reports about vandalism and malicious incidents.  He is also not happy with the line of questioning particularly in relation to his mental health; and
2. An officer challenged, mocked, discriminated against and hung up on the applicant.

Police Scotland's Decision

Police Scotland did not provide a determination on the applicant’s complaints.

Our Findings

We have found that Police Scotland did not handle 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. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland properly record each aspect of the complaints as individual heads of complaint; reassess the complaints taking account of our observations; and consider all available information to reach a conclusion on whether the complaints are upheld or not. Police Scotland should then issue a further well-reasoned response to the applicant.

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

Policing Bodies: Police Scotland