Actions and Claims Against the Police - Police Misconduct - Compensation Claims
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 call 0870 1500 100 or use the "Make an Enquiry" form at the top right of this page to drop us a line.
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 are members of the Police Action Lawyers Group (PALG) and recognised for our work in this field in Chambers UK.
Expert police actions solicitor - Iftikhar Manzoor >
About claiming against the Police
You might expect prosecuting 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.
Click here to read our FAQ for complaints against the police >
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.
For free compensation claims advice, call 0870 1500 100.
You can find more information with these useful links: