Civil Actions Against the Police

We represent clients in various actions against police authorities including claims for assault and battery, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, race discrimination and breaches of the Human Rights Act and the Data Protection Act.

We represent clients of all ethnic backgrounds who have been assaulted, beaten, suffered from race discrimination and been unlawfully imprisoned by the police. We have acted for civil rights campaigners and protesters. We have a good record of securing settlements before trial including a civil claim for malicious prosecution and misfeasance in public office where a settlement of £200,000 was obtained.

Civil claims for damages against police forces and individual officers are brought in the County Court or High Court. The time limits for bringing claims differ depending on the cause of action. Most claims need to be brought within 3 years of the claim arising. However, claims under the Human Rights Act must be brought within one year and most discrimination claims must be brought within 6 months.

Claims for damages are usually preceded by making a complaint about the officers’ conduct to the Directorate of Professional Standards of the relevant police force. If the complaint is not upheld it can be appealed to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. A favourable outcome usually results in the disciplining of the officer and is supportive of a civil claim for damages.

Whilst most civil claims against the police are contested, if the claim has sufficient merit, it is often settled without the need to proceed to a final hearing. This saves costs and brings claims to a more efficient conclusion. Civil claims against the police are often complex in terms of the evidence and the relevant law. We are specialist practitioners in this niche area of Law.

We are franchised with the Legal Services Commission to obtain Legal Help and apply for a legal aid certificate in appropriate cases that satisfy the means and merit tests.

If you instruct Matthew Gold & Company in your civil claim against the police, you will obtain expert specialist legal advice and a very personal service. You will have contact with the solicitor dealing with your claim.