The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about an assault by a Transport for London employee. This is because the police are better placed to investigate the matter.
The complaint
The complainant, Mr X, complains he was assaulted by an employee of Transport for London (TfL).
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’, which we call ‘fault’. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse effect on the person making the complaint, which we call ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start an investigation if the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by Mr X and the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Assault is a criminal matter; as such it is more appropriate for investigation by the police. If Mr X suffered an injury as a result of the assault he may wish to seek legal advice about the possibility of making a personal injury claim. His legal advisers will be able to advise him about whether to make a claim against the employee or TfL.
Final decision
We will not investigate @’s complaint because @
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman