Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaint

The complaint in this case arose after the applicant reported an allegation of fraud about a business. The applicant operates an agricultural business. The applicant raised civil court proceedings against another company for breach of contract resulting in financial loss. The other company successfully defended the applicant’s claim following a civil proof hearing before the Sheriff Court. 

We have reviewed the following complaint: 

• Police Scotland did not investigate the applicant’s fraud allegation, which he was told was a civil matter.

Police Scotland's Decision

Police Scotland did not uphold the applicant’s complaint. 

Our Findings

We have found that Police Scotland handled the complaint to a reasonable standard.

However, we have made a recommendation to address shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of the complaint. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland take account of our observations and consider the provision of learning.

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

Police Bodies: Police Scotland