Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaint in this case arose after the police seized weapons and ammunition belonging to the applicant. We have reviewed the handling of six complaints, namely that: 
1.     On or around 30 January 2023, an officer disclosed confidential information about the applicant’s arrest.
2.     On or prior to 3 February 2023, an officer disclosed where the applicant stored his airsoft weapons.
3.    On 3 February 2023, officers unlawfully searched the applicant’s previous home address and removed his property.
4.    From 3 February 2023 until 27 June 2024 was an excessive length of time for Police Scotland to retain the applicant’s property.
5.    Between 3 February 2023 and 27 June 2024, officers or police staff have lost items of the applicant’s property which were removed from his possession as productions for examination.
6.    Between 3 February 2023 and 27 June 2024, officers or police staff have damaged items of the applicant’s property which were removed from his possession as productions.

Police Scotland's Decision

Police Scotland upheld complaints 4 and 5, but did not uphold complaints 1, 2, 3 and 6. 

Our Findings

We have found that Police Scotland handled complaint 2 to a reasonable standard, but did not handle complaints 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 to a reasonable standard. 

Consequently, we have made three recommendations to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaints. In summary, we have recommended that: in relation to complaint 2, Police Scotland record the appropriate subject officer; and in relation to complaints 3 and 6, Police Scotland revisit the complaints and provide the applicant with fresh responses.

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

Police Bodies: Police Scotland