Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the conduct of a Council Parking Enforcement Officer. This is because key matters in the complaint relate to an ongoing police investigation.

The complaint

1. Miss X complained about harassment by a Council Parking Enforcement Officer. She said she is the victim of a crime, and this caused her and her children distress.
2. Miss X also complained about the Council’s complaint investigation. She said it was not impartial. She wants the Parking Enforcement Officer to be dismissed.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We do not start or continue an investigation if we decide there is another body better placed to consider this complaint. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended, section 34(B))

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How I considered this complaint

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

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My assessment

6. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint about harassment by a Council Parking Enforcement Officer.
7. Miss X says she has reported the alleged crime to the police, and they are investigating her concerns. This is the best body to consider Miss X’s complaint. We cannot investigate allegations of crime. Crime is a matter for the police to investigate and ultimately the courts to decide.

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Final decision

8. We will not investigate Miss X’s complaint because key matters in the complaint relate to an ongoing police investigation.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman