Actions Against the Police
Claiming compensation for police misconduct
Thankfully, it doesn’t happen often, but occasionally, the police get things wrong. They could overstep what we see as fair force in restraining somebody, or they could make a wrongful arrest. In the most cases, we work with clients who claim to have been falsely imprisoned or assaulted, or they believe that a loved one has died in custody because of police misconduct.
For free compensation claims advice, complete our online enquiry form.
We are experts in claims against the Police
We have many years’ experience in taking action against the police, with many of our clients being involved in high profile legal challenges to their handling by the police and authorities. They are often protestors, using their right to peaceful protest when they get caught up in the affray of police intervention. Alternatively, they may be wrongfully arrested with very little knowledge of the charges being put to them.
Regardless of the reason they approach us for help, as a skilled and experienced team within the UK’s first human rights unit, we are able to assist with genuinely outstanding service, support and advice.
We have an excellent reputation in handling claims for environmental and animal welfare campaigners.
Historically, we have been involved in high profile litigation against various police forces up and down the country and notable cases are as follows:-
Twyford Down litigation - This litigation was conducted against Hampshire Police following mass arrests of individuals during the construction of the Twyford Down pass and also during the Newbury by-pass construction in the mid-1990s.
We have also successfully represented hunt saboteurs, animal rights campaigners in numerous group actions against various police forces, again resulting in out of court settlements.
About claiming against the Police
You might expect suing the police to be difficult, if not impossible, but the law is very fair when it comes to matters of liberty and protection.
There are a number of instances in which you can take action against the police as a result of their inappropriate behaviour. You may be seeking an apology, looking to ensure that the authority in question is accountable, or seeking compensation for any injuries that you have suffered as a result.
Police misconduct and wrongful arrest
Clients who want to challenge the police authorities, generally have one of the following complaints. Of course the specifics of each case vary extremely, but generally speaking, this information applies:
False imprisonment The police must justify any arrest and detention. Any bodily restraint which is not authorised by the law amounts to false imprisonment. This imprisonment can happen on the street, in your home, in a police vehicle and at a police station.
Assault and battery The police can use reasonable force to carry out their duties. However, if they use excessive force, they may be liable for assault and battery. You are assaulted as someone touches you without a lawful reason to do so.
Malicious prosecution You have to be charged with an offence to claim malicious prosecution. In order to sustain an action for malicious prosecution you have to prove that the police acted maliciously and without reasonable and probable cause
Wrongful arrest It is a popular belief that the police can detain a person without arresting him/her "to help them with their enquiries". Either a person is under arrest or they are not. A person who is not under arrest has the freedom to come and go as they please.
Death in custody These are extreme cases, but alarmingly, they do happen. Death in custody can be as a result of self harm, due to illness or injury and actions by the police or others. While in custody, the police should ensure that you are safe - if you show any signs of illness or injury, they should be treated accordingly and immediately.
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You can find more information with these useful links:
Talk to an expert about making a claim
Call us on 0870 024 0558 or fill in our claim form and we will get back to you.
If you would like us to provide you with advice with regard to your potential claim, please complete our brief claim form. We will reply to your enquiry within one working day.
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If you would like to speak to someone directly about your claim, please call our friendly team on:
0870 024 0558