Actions against the police - claims, compensation, advice, procedure and solicitors

Actions against the PoliceClick to go to the full framed LAW on the WEB home page (frames)
  
 Last modified: 19 October 2007

Unfortunately, as in all organisations, there are times when the police overstep the mark, get things wrong, or are just incompetent. This may result in a person being wrongly arrested, falsely imprisoned or even assaulted.  

However just because you are unhappy with the way the police have treated you, or you have been acquitted, does not automatically mean that you have a civil claim for compensation against them, or indeed grounds for a complaint. Police powers are both extensive and complete.

Our aim here is to give you some basic guidance on when you may be able to make a civil claim and then to put you in touch with specialist solicitors that can help. 

Potential claims

To sue the police, your claim must come within a "cause of action". The main causes of action are set out below:

We can also help with complaints to the Police Complaints Authority.

What can you claim?

If you have a good claim, you will be entitled to "compensatory" damages and in some circumstances, depending on how the police have acted, aggravated or exemplary damages. We can advise you on the level of compensation you could expect.

To help with your claim, as soon as possible after the incident, you should write down exactly what happened in as much detail as you can remember. This should include names, dates, times and any other information you can recall. You should then contact us immediately using the form below. It is important to act quickly as there are various time limits. If claiming under the Human Rights Act your claim must be issued within one year. If your claim is in negligence, within three years, and in most other cases, six years.

In some cases claims can be settled without the need to go to court. However, if necessary Public Funding is available - or in some instances a 'no win no fee' agreement can be agreed.

If you think you may have a claim, then simply complete the form below and we will ask our expert solicitors to contact you with their assessment of your chances of success and the best way to take the matter forward, or if you'd prefer just email us at policeclaims@lawontheweb.co.uk 

Actions against the Police Assessment Form

[Use your tab button or arrow keys, and not the return key, at the end of each answer]

The Boring Bit

Your First Name
Your Last Name
Address
Post Code** 
Email address 
Home telephone
Work Telephone (if available)
When is the best time to contact you by telephone?  
Is this on your home or work number  Home Work
How would you prefer to be contacted  Email Telephone Letter
Region in which you live
(we will try and find a solicitor within your region if possible)

About the Incident

When did the incident occur?
Where did the incident occur?
Please describe what happened?
Were you injured? If so please provide details of your injury
Were there any witnesses to the incident? Yes No
Do you have their contact details? Yes No
Is there any other information which you think may be relevant?
How did you hear about this site?
(not compulsory, but would be helpful)

If you are happy with the information you have provided click the Submit button and we will get a solicitor to assess your case and contact you by your chosen method within 2 days. After that it is up to you. 

LAW on the WEB reserves the right not to answer any queries raised and cannot guarantee in any way that a response will be received within the stated timeframe, nor indeed at all. LAW on the WEB accepts no responsibility whatsoever for any advice received from any of our panel solicitors, nor any actions done, or not done, as a result of receiving such advice. 

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