The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the Authority. This is because the law excludes us from investigating the actions of the police.
The complaint
Miss X complained because she was unhappy an earlier investigation into police did not achieve the outcome she wanted. She said this impacted on her wellbeing.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
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)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant and I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
Final decision
We cannot investigate Miss X’s complaint because the law does not allow us to investigate the actions of the police.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman