Report – Police Scotland – PIRC/01144-25 & PIRC/01235-25
The Complaints
The complaint in this case arose after various interactions the applicant had with the police regarding her ex-husband, and ongoing issues with her neighbour. Officers attended the applicant’s address after an allegation of assault against her ex-husband. After interviewing the applicant’s ex-husband, officers concluded there was insufficient evidence to take further action. Community police officers were involved in an ongoing neighbour dispute between the applicant and her neighbour, both of whom reported each other to the police at various points. We have reviewed the handling of seven complaints, namely that:
1. On 10 June 2022, officers said that they would come back to take photos of the applicant’s injuries but did not return, resulting in evidence being lost.
2. Information was missing from the applicant’s statement and the police report, including the extent of her injuries.
3. Officers told the applicant it was her word against her ex-partner’s word and threatened her with arrest.
4. Officers advised the applicant that she would be arrested for breach of the peace for shouting in her address but left without charging her.
5. On 11 May 2023, the applicant reported concerns about her ex-partner moving to the local area and an officer did nothing.
6. On 11 May 2023, the applicant requested support from Victim Support, however, an officer responded something similar to, “do you want me to call them at midnight?”, and
7. In August 2025, the applicant reported that her neighbour banged on her fence twice whilst her sister was cleaning it, causing her fear; however, officers said they could not do anything.
Police Scotland’s Decision
Police Scotland did not uphold the applicant’s complaints.
Our Findings
We have found that Police Scotland handled complaints 4, 5, 6, and 7 to a reasonable standard but not so complaints 1, 2, and 3.
Consequently, we have made three recommendations to address the shortcomings in Police Scotland’s handling of complaints 1, 2 and 3. In summary, we have recommended that Police Scotland reassess complaints 1 and 2, and thereafter provide the applicant with a fresh response letter which clearly explains the rationale for the conclusions reached. In relation to complaint 3, we have recommended that Police Scotland record the complaint as two separate complaints.
Our recommendations should be implemented by Police Scotland within two months of the date of this report.