False Imprisonment & Wrongful Arrest Compensation
If you have been the victim of wrongful arrest or false imprisonment, our expert lawyers may be able to help you claim compensation from the police.
Actions Against the Police
Police officers play a vital role in protecting the public, often making difficult decisions in fast‑moving and pressurised situations. While most police actions are lawful and proportionate, there are occasions when things go wrong – and this can be deeply distressing for those involved.
If you or a loved one have been seriously affected by unlawful conduct, our specialist team may be able to help you get the answers and the compensation you deserve. We appreciate that getting in touch can feel daunting, particularly after a distressing experience, and we approach every enquiry with care and sensitivity.
We carefully assess every enquiry on its merits and are only able to take on cases where there is a realistic prospect of establishing unlawful conduct and meaningful harm. We’re unlikely to be able to assist with minor complaints or service issues where no significant harm has occurred.
Our dedicated team of solicitors have extensive experience bringing claims against almost every major UK police force. Get in touch to discuss your case with our specialist team.
How can our solicitors help with civil actions against the police?
Bringing a civil claim against the police is about seeking accountability and compensation where unlawful conduct has caused you harm.
This is distinct from making a complaint. A complaint to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is designed to investigate officer behaviour and, where appropriate, lead to disciplinary action or changes in police practice. However, an IOPC process does not award compensation.
A civil claim focuses on whether your legal rights were breached and, if so, what compensation you should receive for the harm suffered.
Claims can arise from issues such as:
- Wrongful arrest or false imprisonment
- Malicious prosecution
- Police negligence or misconduct
- Excessive force or assault
- Misfeasance in Public Office (deliberate abuse of power)
- Human rights breaches.
Compensation in police claims can include general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, special damages for financial losses such as loss of earnings or medical costs, and, in appropriate cases, aggravated damages where particularly oppressive or humiliating conduct is involved.
Our action against the police solicitors are recognised for their expertise in this complex and sensitive area of law. Some examples of our past actions include:
- Acting for the families of individuals who have died whilst in detention at a police station or prison
- Bringing claims against the police for assault or excessive force, where the case involves serious physical injury or significant psychological harm
- Acting for victims of rape or sexual assault in claims arising out of flawed investigations.
Contact our specialist solicitors to discuss your situation and explore your options.
Who can make a claim against the police?
A wide range of people may be entitled to bring a civil claim against the police where police conduct has infringed their legal rights. These include:
- Individuals whose rights were directly infringed: Anyone who has been subjected to unlawful police conduct, such as wrongful arrest, excessive force, false imprisonment, discrimination, or breaches of human rights, may be entitled to bring a civil claim.
- Claims brought on behalf of a child: If the affected person is under 18, a parent or legal guardian can bring a claim on their behalf.
- Adults who lack mental capacity: Claims can be made for adults who are unable to manage legal proceedings themselves due to conditions such as severe mental illness, learning disabilities, or brain injuries. A litigation friend can act in their best interests.
- Families following a death in custody or after police contact: Close relatives may bring claims where a loved one has died while in police detention or following police involvement.
- Victims of flawed police investigations: Individuals affected by serious investigative failures, including victims of rape or sexual assault, may be able to claim where police failings have caused additional harm or distress.
Time limits for making a claim against the police
There are strict time limits in place for making claims against the police. These are:
- Wrongful arrest / false imprisonment: 6 years from the date of the incident
- Personal injury / assault: 3 years from the date of the incident or date of knowledge
- Complaints to the IOPC: 12 months from the incident
- Claims under the Human Rights Act: 1 year from the act complained of
There may be exceptions if you are claiming on behalf of a child or bringing a claim on behalf of someone without the mental capacity to bring their own.
How are claims against the police funded ?
Most claims against the police are funded through Legal Aid. This is funding for legal claims provided by the government through the Legal Aid Agency. It could mean you won’t pay anything for legal advice, even if your case is unsuccessful. Not every case will qualify for Legal Aid, as funding is subject to eligibility rules, but our solicitors can advise you on whether you may be eligible and discuss alternative funding options if you are not.
We also offer funding on a no win no fee basis, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This means you can pursue a claim without worrying about upfront legal costs. Under this arrangement, you do not pay anything at the outset. We can only offer a CFA where we consider that there are reasonable prospects of success and where it is proportionate to pursue a claim.
If your claim is successful, your opponent will pay most of your legal costs. Any legal costs not paid by your opponent may be deducted from the compensation that you receive, which will be clearly explained from the outset.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay anything. We won’t charge you, and your insurance policy, if you choose to take one out, will cover your opponent’s legal fees and costs.
Find the right help for claims against the police
What do you need help with?
Can I make an IOPC complaint on my own?
Yes – the IOPC (Independent Office of Police Conduct) is accessible to the public and you are entitled to submit a complaint without legal representation. Its role is to deal with complaints, investigate what happened, and ensure the right action is taken against the officer(s) concerned.
However, it is important to understand the limits of the IOPC process. An IOPC complaint does not result in compensation. Its purpose is to address officer behaviour and systemic issues. A civil claim is the route by which financial compensation can be recovered for physical injury, psychological harm, financial loss, and breaches of human rights. In some cases, a complaint and a civil claim can be run in parallel, but they serve different aims.
The IOPC deals with a huge volume of complaints, and usually only investigates the most serious ones. Any complaints that it receives which doesn’t meet its criteria will be sent to the relevant police force to investigate.
We have extensive experience of this process and may be able to help you:
- Make your complaint to the IOPC
- Appeal the outcome of a complaint
- Make a complaint alongside a compensation claim.
Speak to our experts
We have the largest private client team in the UK; our team of experts are here to provide discreet legal advice to support you and your family.
We’re here to help
Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (Excluding Public Holidays).
08000473418
Frequently asked questions about police misconduct claims
Making an enquiry
We have several ways you can contact us, either by completing our online contact form, by phone, or using our live chat. If you start your journey online, here are the first steps to working together.
Complete our online formWe need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
We’ll contact you by phoneOn the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
We arrange a full appointmentIf we’re able to support you further, the next step is an appointment with one of our specialists so we can discuss everything in more detail.
We’re a national firm, but we’re still the local solicitors to 21 locations across the UK.
Our commitment to you
Our experts always start by listening, so we understand what matters most from day one.- 01Clear legal guidance
You will always get straightforward, honest advice, with regular updates to keep you clear on the way forward.
- 02Specialist knowledge
A wide-ranging team of trusted specialists who understand what it takes to protect your future, your family or your business.
- 03Your needs first
Whether you’re navigating complex personal situations or business decisions, we take the time to understand your world and what’s at stake.