Complaint Handling Reviews

The Complaints

The complaints in this case arose after the applicant’s interactions with the police following domestic abuse incidents. The applicant was in an abusive relationship which resulted in her interacting with Police Scotland on a number of occasions. The applicant expressed dissatisfaction with an officer’s attitude towards her after the applicant was spoken to about her ex-partner breaching his bail conditions. The applicant was also contacted by social work due to incorrect information being shared by Police Scotland; and the applicant encountered difficulties when arranging for the removal of her ex partner's belongings from her address. We have reviewed the handling of two complaints, namely that: 

1.    between 2017 and 2023, the applicant is dissatisfied with the overall police response in respect of domestic abuse allegations she reported; and
2.    the length of time to conclude the applicant’s complaint was excessive.
 

Police Scotland’s Decision

Police Scotland upheld both of the applicant’s complaints. 

Our Findings

We have found that Police Scotland handled both of the applicant’s complaints to a reasonable standard. 
However, we have made a single recommendation to address a shortcoming identified in complaint 1.  In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland  records four separate complaints and provides the applicant with a further letter of response that includes an apology, and outlines any additional learning opportunities. 
Our recommendation should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.