Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Authority’s review of a police complaint investigation. This is because the substantive matters relate to the investigation of crime and the law does not allows us to investigate such matters.

The complaint

1. X complained the Authority failed to provide adequate responses to their queries, after it completed a review into a police complaint investigation. X said this had a detrimental impact on their health and wellbeing.

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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 and the Authority.
5. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

6. We cannot not investigate X’s complaint because the substantive matters complained about relate to the investigation of crime and the law does not allow us to investigate.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman