Report - Police Scotland - PIRC/00762/25
The Complaints
The complaint in this case arose after various interactions the applicant had with the police. In 2021, the applicant was recorded on Police Scotland’s system as being responsible for two thefts. In 2024, the applicant made various reports to the police which he considered did not get investigated. We have reviewed the handling of six complaints, namely that:
On 25 January 2021, officers recorded incorrect data on police systems which stated that the applicant was responsible for shoplifting.
On 12 May 2021, officers recorded incorrect data on police systems which stated that the applicant was responsible for shoplifting.
Between 17 and 18 April 2024, officers did not conduct a proper investigation when the applicant was reported as a missing person.
Officers failed to investigate reports that the applicant’s mobile phone and laptop were hacked.
In 2023 and 2024, officers failed to investigate reports that the applicant was raped.
On 6 October 2024, officers failed to investigate the applicant’s reports of being threatened and harassed at a [named garage].
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 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 to a reasonable standard but not so complaints 5.
Consequently, we have made a single recommendation to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of complaint 5. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland reassess complaint 5 and provide the applicant with a further response which clearly explains how the material information available informed the conclusions reached.
We have also identified two learning points relative to Police Scotland’s administration of the complaints.
Our recommendation and learning points should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.
Policing Bodies: Police Scotland