Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint because the law says we cannot investigate the actions of the police in connection with the investigation or prevention of crime.

The complaint

1. X complained about the actions of the Authority in relation to the investigation of an alleged crime and about the conduct of police officers.

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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 cannot investigate a complaint if it is about action taken by or on behalf of any local policing body in connection with the investigation or prevention of crime. (Local Government Act 1974, Schedule 5, Section 26, paragraph 2 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. We cannot investigate X’s complaint about the actions of police. This is because the law says we cannot investigate as explained at point 3 of this decision.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate this complaint because the law says we cannot investigate the actions of the police in connection with the investigation or prevention of crime.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman