Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about actions taken by the Police when they seized Mr X’s vehicle. We do not have the jurisdiction to investigate the Police.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about the actions of the Police when it seized his vehicle. Mr X says it has impacted his mental health and financial wellbeing. He would like a formal apology, a repayment of expenses and a review of data handling practices.

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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 investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of bodies such as the Police. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 25 and 34(1), as amended)

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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. The Ombudsman is prohibited from investigating complaints about action taken by the Police.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because we do not have jurisdiction to investigate the actions of the Police.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman