Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00160/26
The Complaints
The complaint in this case arose after officers approached the applicant within [Named Airport]. The applicant’s son was present at the time. Following the applicant’s interaction with the officers, he was allowed to continue his journey. We have reviewed the handling of three complaints, namely that:
1. On 22 June 2024, after giving his personal details and further supplementary information to officers, the applicant felt that he was being interrogated in full view and earshot of his son,
2. On the same date, the applicant told officers that he was going to exercise his right to remain silent and they said he would be arrested if he refused to answer further questions, and
3. On the same date, the applicant’s phone was snatched from his possession without a warrant.
Police Scotland’s Decision
Police Scotland did not uphold any of the applicant’s complaints.
Our Findings
We have found that Police Scotland handled all of the applicant’s complaints to a reasonable standard.
We have nevertheless made a recommendation and identified a learning point to address administrative shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland record complaints 1 and 2 separately. Our learning point is a reminder to ensure that all complaints are subject to quality assurance prior to final letters being issued to complainers.
Our recommendation and learning point should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.
Police Bodies: Police Scotland