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Definition of a complaint
The Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006, has described the definition of a complaint, as it relates to the role
of the Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland (PCCS) as,
'A written expression of dissatisfaction about an act or omission by a Police Authority, a Joint Police Board, a Police Force, the
Authority, the Agency or by a person who at the time of the act or omission was a person serving with the police.'
In addition to allegations of misconduct or criminality a further category of complaint relates to 'Quality of Service' issues or
operational policing matters.
These types of complaint normally relate to a perception that
- You think the police are not addressing a particular problem
- They took a long time to respond to your call
- You feel that there is not enough police officers in your area
- You do not believe that the police dealt properly with an incident
These complaints do not relate to the actions of an actual member of the Force and are organisational issues. However they are still
very real issues of concern to individuals and communities and Tayside Police will conduct enquiry into them accordingly and provide
an explanation where appropriate. They will normally be dealt with by senior officers of the area where the concerns have been expressed.
How do I make a complaint?
If you think that any police officer(s) or member(s) of support staff has behaved incorrectly or unfairly you have the right to make a
complaint.
To do this you need to consider what it is that you are concerned about, for example, has the officer or member of police staff been
uncivil towards you, have you been assaulted, or was the level of service expected by you not achieved.
You should make your complaint as soon as possible so that the Investigating Officers are provided with the best opportunity to secure
all of the available evidence.
If you decide you wish to register a complaint you may do so by one of the following methods
- You may call personally at any police station and ask to speak to the senior officer on duty. This is normally the Duty Inspector however if he/she is not available ask to speak to the Duty Sergeant. It is however important to note that ANY police officer can note your initial complaint and thereafter forward it to their supervisor for action.
- Write to the Deputy Chief Constable at Tayside Police, Force Headquarters, West Bell Street, Dundee, DD1 9JU
- By e-mail to professionalstandards@tayside.pnn.police.uk
- Contact your solicitor, Member of the Scottish Parliament, Member of Parliament, or local councillor
- Contact or visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau
- If you prefer to be represented by another person, community group or other organisation that is acceptable providing it is clear that you have given your authority for that person, group or organisation to act on your behalf. However to progress your complaint it will be necessary to take a statement from you personally but you can be represented at that meeting if you wish. If necessary we can arrange for an interpreter to assist.
- Contact the Professional Standards Department on 01382 596654. This office is staffed between 08.00 and 17.00 hours, Monday to Friday. Although your complaint cannot be taken over the telephone advice will be available to you so that you can consider your position.
You can obtain a leaflet,
'Complaints about the Police'
which gives advice on how to make a complaint by visiting the Scottish Government website.
This leaflet is available in various languages. Alternatively you can obtain a copy from any police station.
What should I say?
- Provide as much information as you can about your complaint
- Describe what happened
- Say where and when the incident or cause for complaint took place
- Give the names and addresses of any witnesses (if you have them)
- Give the name or identification of any member(s) of Tayside Police involved if known
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