Senior officer one of three highlighted in handling of complaint

Angus area commander David McIntosh was one of three police officers slated for their handling of the man’s initial complaint by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) last year.

The man, relocated for his own protection, went to Arbroath Police Station to report harassment after a woman posted his address on Facebook but was told it was “not a police matter”.

His protest that Ms Hawkes was dismissive, rude and unprofessional in dealing with him was thrown out by Mr McIntosh, who denied his colleague had called the man a frequent complainer.

PIRC said Mr McIntosh’s statement was “entirely at odds with the evidence available”.

The Professional Standards Department concluded its own investigation into the recommendations which were made by PIRC.

Chief Inspector Derek Hiley told the victim: “The CCTV footage obtained was reviewed and clearly shows that Constable Hawkes was not rude during the majority of her engagement with you, however, she is overheard responding to a comment made by you in relation to making a complaint as you were leaving stating, ‘you do that, you like to make complaints’.

“I deem this remark unnecessary, rude and unprofessional and offer you an apology on behalf of Police Scotland for this.

“I am in a position to uphold the allegation and will ensure this matter is dealt with through line management to Constable Hawkes.

“I will take this opportunity to apologise that your complaints were not responded to appropriately in our initial response and trust the above information now explains matters.”

At the time Ms Hawkes stated she was not dismissive of the complaint and at no point was it her intention to cause any upset.

She alleged she was calm and not abusive in the manner in which she was speaking to the complainer although it was clear he was not happy with the advice provided.