Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Police’s handling of a criminal investigation and the decision to make a safeguarding referral for Mr X’s child. We have no power to look into complaints connected with investigating or preventing crime.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about the circumstances of his arrest by the Police, and the decision, by the Police, to make a safeguarding referral for his child.

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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 Mr X.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

6. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because we have no power to investigate complaints connected with the Police investigating or preventing crime.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman