Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose after the applicant was involved in a road traffic collision. 

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

1. No statement was noted from the applicant, either at the time of the collision or later;
2. Officers failed to speak to all available witnesses in relation to the collision;
3. Officers failed to check for all available CCTV/video footage in relation to the collision;
4. Officer did not correctly check the insurance status of the van that collided with the applicant;
5. Officers were deliberately negligent and covered up their lack of investigation into the collision; and
6. Officers tried to intimidate the applicant, blaming him for the collision.

Police Scotland's Decision

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

Our Findings

We have found that Police Scotland handled complaints 2, 3 and 5 to a reasonable standard, but not so complaints 1, 3 and 6. 

Consequently, we have made four recommendations to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaint. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland reassess the available information and undertake further necessary enquiries in line with our observations. Thereafter, Police Scotland should issue the applicant with a further response which clearly explains whether the complaints are upheld or not upheld. 

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

Policing Bodies: Police Scotland