Forth Bear
Well-Known Member
I've just received an email regarding my complaint about the tweet Police Scotland sent out after the fake video was circulated.
Dear Name
I refer to the complaint you sent the Police Service of Scotland via email on 17 May 2021, regarding the tweet sent out on Police Scotland’s Twitter account in respect of allegations involving potential criminal offences by employees of Glasgow Rangers Football Club.
Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the delay in responding to your email.
As Superintendent within Corporate Communications, the department who oversee and manage Police Scotland’s social media accounts, I was allocated ownership of your complaint.
Due to the high profile and wide circulation of the footage there was exceptional public interest and therefore Police Scotland were asked by a number of different media organisations for a response as to what we were doing about the video. In addition, we received a number of complaints regarding the footage and the language attributed to some people who appeared in it.
As with any allegation, especially those with significant public interest, we assessed the situationand the best method to address the public concern and media enquiries. After consultation and permission from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service, we gave a response to the media and posted this on our social media channels. These are recognised investigation and public reassurance processes we undertake on a regular basis.
I don't propose to debate on the difference between certain words used in the tweet as this is very subjective, however we looked into this matter quickly and established no criminality. This was highlighted to the public and provided to the mediawithin a short timeframe.
I agree with our Professional Standards Department that due to the circumstances, your email and contents do not meet the criteria of a complaint, however I would like to assure you that any concerns or complaints about the police are treated seriously by the Police Service of Scotland. I regret that your opinion of how you felt the Police Service of Scotland should have dealt with this situation fell short of your expectations.
Yours sincerely
Derek Forsyth
Superintendent
Corporate Communications
Dear Name
I refer to the complaint you sent the Police Service of Scotland via email on 17 May 2021, regarding the tweet sent out on Police Scotland’s Twitter account in respect of allegations involving potential criminal offences by employees of Glasgow Rangers Football Club.
Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the delay in responding to your email.
As Superintendent within Corporate Communications, the department who oversee and manage Police Scotland’s social media accounts, I was allocated ownership of your complaint.
Due to the high profile and wide circulation of the footage there was exceptional public interest and therefore Police Scotland were asked by a number of different media organisations for a response as to what we were doing about the video. In addition, we received a number of complaints regarding the footage and the language attributed to some people who appeared in it.
As with any allegation, especially those with significant public interest, we assessed the situationand the best method to address the public concern and media enquiries. After consultation and permission from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service, we gave a response to the media and posted this on our social media channels. These are recognised investigation and public reassurance processes we undertake on a regular basis.
I don't propose to debate on the difference between certain words used in the tweet as this is very subjective, however we looked into this matter quickly and established no criminality. This was highlighted to the public and provided to the mediawithin a short timeframe.
I agree with our Professional Standards Department that due to the circumstances, your email and contents do not meet the criteria of a complaint, however I would like to assure you that any concerns or complaints about the police are treated seriously by the Police Service of Scotland. I regret that your opinion of how you felt the Police Service of Scotland should have dealt with this situation fell short of your expectations.
Yours sincerely
Derek Forsyth
Superintendent
Corporate Communications