Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Police and Crime Commissioner. This is because the complaint relates to the investigation or prevention of a crime.

The complaint

1. The complainant, who I will call Mr X, complains about that the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) dealt with a crime report alleging misconduct in a public office, and how reports of such crimes are handled in general. He also complains about how his complaint was dealt with.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
3. We have jurisdiction to investigate complaints about Police & Crime Commissioners but we are prohibited from investigating complaints about action taken by police and crime commissioners in connection with the investigation or prevention of crime.

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How I considered this complaint

4. I considered information provided by the complainant.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. I cannot investigate this complaint. This is because it relates to actions taken by a Police and Crime Commissioner relating to the investigation or prevention of crime. Therefore, it is outside of the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.
7. Mr X also complains about the Authorities handling of his complaint. However, it is not a good use of public funds to investigate complaint handling when we cannot investigate the substantive issue.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint because it relates to the investigation or prevention of a crime.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman