Report Summary - British Transport Police – PIRC/00177/26
The Complaints
The complaints in this case arose after British Transport Police (BTP) officers stopped the applicant and her partner (Mr A) from boarding a train following an evening out. BTP officers explained why the applicant and Mr A had been refused travel, and told them to leave the station. When the applicant and Mr A objected, officers attempted to escort them out. The interaction escalated and the applicant was arrested. During arrest, the applicant was taken to the ground and handcuffed to the rear. The applicant was taken into custody, charged and later released.
We have reviewed the handling of seven complaints, namely that:
1) The applicant and Mr A were refused travel home which was an overreaction by officers;
2) Officers used excessive force causing bruising and a lump to the applicant’s hip;
3) The handcuffs used were too tight;
4) The applicant was left with bruises on her hand and wrist;
5) The applicant was told that officers had called her partner and let him know where she was and that he was waiting outside, which was incorrect information;
6) The applicant had her bag searched not in front of her and the police officer said she had plenty of money to get home when she did not; and
7) Officers ‘ditched’ her at the side of the road at 2am with no concern for her welfare.
Police Scotland’s Decision
The BTP did not uphold the applicant’s complaints.
Our Findings
We have found that the BTP handled complaints 3, 4 and 7 to a reasonable standard, but not so complaints 1, 2, 5 and 6.
Consequently, we have made two recommendations to address the shortcomings in the BTP’s handling of the complaints. In summary, we have recommended BTP re-assess the material information available, taking account of our observations for complaint 1. We have also recommended that BTP carry out further necessary and proportionate enquiries in relation to complaint 2. Thereafter BTP should then provide the applicant with a further response that is well-reasoned and adequately explains the rationale for whichever conclusion is reached.
We have also made two learning points in relation to the administration of the complaints.
Our recommendations and learning points should be implemented by the BTP within two months of the date of this report.