Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose after the applicant reported his neighbour’s behaviour to Police Scotland. We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely that:

1. a sergeant had a bad attitude and failed to grasp the applicant’s concerns regarding his neighbour; and 
2. the applicant is unhappy with the advice given by Police Scotland about the incident he reported. 

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 two recommendations to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints.

In summary, we have asked Police Scotland to conduct further enquiry into both complaints, including obtaining a statement from the subject officer. Thereafter, Police Scotland should provide the applicant with a further response that addresses both complaints in full, advising whether the complaint is upheld or not upheld and the rationale for the conclusions reached.

We have also identified two learning points in relation to Police Scotland’s administration of the complaint.

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

Police Bodies : Police Scotland