Introduction
At Claims Against Police, we hold great respect for the vast majority of police officers who work tirelessly to keep the British public safe. However, police actions are subject to accountability, and if you have been treated unfairly or unlawfully, you have the right to seek justice.
When it comes to taking action against the police, you have two options.
Firstly, you can make a complaint with the police force in question or the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). If your experience is serious enough, the IOPC will investigate your matter.
However, we find this lengthy complaint procedure is ineffective, serving more to sweep instances of police misconduct under the rug instead of addressing them.
Your second option is to seek legal advice and make a civil claim against the police.Â
Civil claims offer a pathway to accountability, and pursuing one can yield significant outcomes, including an apology from the police, compensation, and, more importantly, a chance for your voice to be heard by the police.
Types of Claims Against The Police
Police misconduct and negligence can come in many forms, so it’s important to understand what your experience falls under.
You can make a claim against the police for:
- Unlawful/Wrongful arrest
- Unlawful/Wrongful detainment
- Unlawful/Wrongful stop and search
- Injury from excessive force
- Police trespass
- Unnecessary taser, pepper spray, or dog injury
- Injury from negligence in prison
- Hit by a police vehicle
- Arrested/Detained for failing to attend court, having had no knowledge of the court hearing
- Breach of data
How To Make A Claim Against The Police
Firstly, to make a claim against the police, you should contact an experienced actions against the police solicitor. Claims against the police can be complex and are often contested by the police, so specialist legal advice and support is crucial to maximising your success.
After this, gather any evidence and information you have of your incident with the police. This could be a video of the arrest, photographs, medical records (if injured), the arrest date, the location, and the police officers involved. Your solicitor will need this to build your case and understand what rights, if any, have been broken.
Your solicitor will then submit a letter of claim to the police force in question detailing your allegations and what you are claiming for. At this point, your solicitor should have everything they need to act on your behalf, and so you should be updated on your case every one to three weeks.
This is where the negotiations begin between the police and your solicitor, eventually leading to a settlement in a successful event. Most cases are settled out of court, with only a handful of claims against the police going to court. Regardless, your solicitor will represent you throughout.Â
If you are looking to take action against the police via a civil claim, then please use this link and submit your details. Once submitted, we’ll be in touch ASAP.
Time Limits For Claiming
It’s important to note, you have six years from the date of your incident to make a claim against the police. Our advice is to start the process as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
If you are wanting to claim against the police in regards to an injury, you have three years from the date of your injury to claim.
No Win, No Fee, No Worry!
All our claims against the police operate on a no win, no fee basis, eliminating any financial risk for you.
If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
If we win your case, we’ll deduct 25% of the total compensation won.
Start Your Claim Against The Police
If you believe you’ve been unlawfully treated by the police, please complete our form by clicking the button below.