Police Complaint

What Is A Police Complaint?

A Police complaint is made when an individual approaches the Police force concerned, and most complaints are dealt with by the Police forces internal professional standards department.

However, if the complaint is of a more serious nature such as assault of Sexual assault, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will be involved.

If you file a complaint in this way, it is possible that you will receive an apology if the Police officer is found to have carried out misconduct. However, this will not mean that you receive any compensation for the distress which has been caused.

Therefore, filing a complaint in this way is different to taking civil legal action against the Police. If you feel that you have been mistreated by the Police and an apology is not good enough, then please get in touch to see how we can assist in obtaining compensation for the pain you were caused.

What Is An Action Against The Police?

Unlike a complaint against the Police, an Action Against the Police is a civil claim which can be pursued through the courts. This is a Civil claim for compensation against the Police force. If our panel believe that you have a valid case for compensation, then your case will be handled on a no win no fee basis.

Our legal panel may also be able to assist with claims against other similar public bodies such as the Probation or Prison Services or the Court.

What Is The Timeline For Bringing A Claim Forward?

Depending on the type of claim you wish to bring there are time limits in which you must raise your claim against the Police.

Below is a guide for time limits of various claims

Data Protection Breach - 6 years
Unlawful arrest or false imprisonment - 6 Years
Trespass on property or goods - 6 years
Assault or personal injury- 3 years
Breach of Human Rights - 12 months
Discrimination - 6 months

What Will It Cost To Claim?

The PoliceComplaint.co.uk panel of solicitors may be able to bring your claim on a No Win No Fee Basis.

A No Win, No Fee agreement can also be called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This is an arrangement between you and our legal panel, that means if your claim for compensation is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay any of our legal fees.

This means you do not pay any upfront costs for your claim, and our panel are willing to take the risk of earning nothing at all if we fail in your claim for compensation.

There may be a cancellation fee if you cancel the claim after the 14-day cooling off period.

How Can PoliceComplaint.co.uk Help You?

If you consider you have experienced mistreatment or misconduct at the hands of the Police or other public bodies, then we can help. We will fight your corner to ensure that you receive the compensation which you deserve.

Our panel of expert solicitors will assist you in obtaining evidence from the Police. They are experienced in bringing robust claims against the Police.

You can also rest assured that all of our panel are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

What Can I Bring A Claim Forward For?

You can complain about police misconduct, negligence, abuse of power, false arrest, discrimination, excessive force, wrongful detention, or failure to investigate a crime properly.

Can I Sue The Police For Misconduct?

Yes, if you have been a victim of police negligence, wrongful arrest, excessive force, discrimination, or human rights violations, you may have grounds for a civil claim against the police.

How Do I Sue The Police?

Legal action against the police involves gathering evidence, filing a formal complaint, and potentially seeking legal representation from a solicitor specialising in police claims.

Our legal panel can guide you through suing the police. Simply use our free-to-use eligiblity checker online today to get started.

What Evidence Do I Need For A Claim Against The Police?

Key evidence includes:

Witness statements
Bodycam or CCTV footage
Medical records (for injuries)
Police reports & communication logs
Photos or videos of the incident

Can I Get Compensation For Police Misconduct?

Yes, if the police have unlawfully arrested, detained, or assaulted you, or if they have failed to properly investigate a crime, you may be entitled to compensation.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim?

Compensation varies depending on the severity of the misconduct, including:

Wrongful arrest/detention – How long the detention was and the severity
Excessive force/injury – Based on medical impact
Malicious prosecution – Varies based on case facts
Failure to investigate – Compensation may depend on damages caused

Our legal panel can help determine how much you may be able to claim. Their claims often reach into the thousands of pounds.

Do I Need A Solicitor To Claim Compensation?

While you can file a claim yourself, hiring a solicitor with expertise in police misconduct cases can increase your chances of success and help negotiate a higher compensation settlement.

What Does The IOPC Do?

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigates serious complaints and misconduct involving police forces across England & Wales.

Can I Get Legal Aid For A Claim Against The Police?

Legal aid is available in some police misconduct cases, particularly for serious human rights breaches. Many solicitors, including our legal panel also offer No Win, No Fee agreements.

Can I Claim Against The Police For Damage To My Property?

Yes, if the police wrongfully damaged your home, vehicle, or personal belongings, you may be able to file a claim for compensation.

I Like The Police And The Job They Do - Why Should I Sue Them?

Respecting and appreciating the crucial role police officers play in maintaining law and order is important. The vast majority of UK police officers serve with honour, integrity, and a commitment to public safety.

However, like any large organisation, there may be instances of misconduct or errors that lead to someone being wronged or harmed. In these rare but significant instances, taking legal action is not about undermining the police or their work; rather, it is about several key principles:

Seeking Justice and Accountability
Protecting Your Rights
Encouraging Transparency and Improvement
Compensation for Damages

What is the Difference Between a Police Complaint and Suing the Police?

A police complaint is an official report made to the police force’s Professional Standards Department (PSD) or the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) about misconduct, negligence, or abuse of power by officers. The complaint process aims to hold officers accountable and may result in disciplinary action, retraining, or internal investigations, but does not typically lead to financial compensation.

Suing the police, on the other hand, is a legal claim for damages in a civil court. If you have suffered wrongful arrest, excessive force, malicious prosecution, or a failure to investigate, you may be able to take legal action to claim compensation. This process often requires legal representation, and claims are typically made on a No Win, No Fee basis.

FAQs

Read our most frequently asked questions in relation to police complaints and the claim process.

Frequently Asked Questions