Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/00356/26
The Complaints
The complaint in this case arose after officers entered the applicant’s address and took possession of a weapon stored inside. The Home Office asked for police to be present whilst they fitted a tag at the applicant’s address. Whilst inside the property, an officer observed multiple items within the applicant’s address which caused concern. Officers also observed a spearhead and questioned the applicant about this. Following a conversation, the applicant provided the spearhead to officers for destruction. Upon return to the police station, the officers escalated their concerns about some of the items they had seen within the applicant’s home. Later that same day, four Detectives attending the applicant’s address to investigate the concerns raised. After speaking with the applicant and observing the items in situ, the detectives were satisfied that no further action was required. We have reviewed the handling of three complaints, namely that:
1. On 16 June 2025, officers entered the applicant’s address without a warrant.
2. The applicant is dissatisfied that officers who entered his address took photographs of his property; and
3. That officers took possession of a hunting spear (portable and detachable Zulu spear).
Police Scotland’s Decision
Police Scotland did not uphold the applicant’s complaints.
Our Findings
We have found that Police Scotland handled complaints 1 and 2 to a reasonable standard but not so complaint 3.
Consequently, we have made a recommendation to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of complaint 3. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland carry out further necessary and proportionate enquiries into complaint 3 and thereafter provide the applicant with a further response, which clearly explains how the material information available informed the conclusions reached.
We have also identified a learning point relative to Police Scotland’s administration of the complaints.
Our recommendation and learning point should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.