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Civil Actions Against the Police

If you have been a victim of police misconduct, harassment or have been mistreated while in police custody, you could be entitled to compensation. If your civil liberties or human rights have been breached due to poor police conduct, we can help you make a claim.

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Key points for making an injury claim

The most important things to remember when making a civil action against the police claim:

Obtaining legal advice and representation is essential when pursuing a claim against the police. Such claims are often complex and strongly contested, making it challenging to succeed without the guidance of a legal expert.

You have certain time limits to bring a claim against the police:

  • Claims including malicious prosecution, assault, trespass to property, false imprisonment, or misfeasance in public office have a limitation period of six years.
  • Claims under the Equality Act must be brought within six months, human rights actions within one year, and personal injury claims within three years. It is important to seek legal advice promptly, as these time limits are crucial

You can claim now by completing the contact form below. 

What are civil actions against the police claims?

Civil actions against the police are legal claims brought by individuals who believe the police have acted unlawfully or improperly. 

These claims often relate to issues such as false arrest, unlawful detention, assault, excessive use of force, malicious prosecution, trespass to your home or breaches of human rights. The aim of these claims is usually to obtain compensation for harm caused, including time detained, physical injury, emotional distress, or damage to reputation.

There are strict time limits for making these complaints and claims. Complaints must be made to the relevant police force within one year of the incident. 

Other claims, including those for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, or misfeasance in public office, have a longer limitation period of six years. 

It is important to seek legal advice promptly, as these deadlines are crucial and the cases can be complex, especially where the police maintain their actions were lawful.

Can I make a civil action against the police claim?

Yes, you can. There are different types of police misconduct that may form the basis of a civil claim against the police.

Examples of police misconduct include:

    • Assault and battery
    • Police dog bites
    • Wrongful arrest
    • False imprisonment
    • Unlawful stop and search
    • Negligence
    • Breach of human rights (e.g. unlawful strip search/trespass to your home)
    • Malicious prosecution
    • Trespass to property
    • Abuse of power by the police
    • Discrimination under the equality act (e.g. racial, sexual, etc.)
    • Misuse of personal information such as DNA and finger-prints
    • Disclosure and barring service complaints
    • Judicial Review
    • Unlawful retention of data

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  • Over 1,000 years of combined legal expertise
  • Leading experts in claims against the police
  • We’ll get you more compensation than anyone else
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Our Civil Liberties team

The Express civil liberties team are experienced solicitors who have successfully handled a wide range of cases across England and Wales, and are recognised as leaders in the field of Civil Liberties and Human Rights. The team will guide you through the process of making a police complaint (if it involved serious injury or misconduct in public office*) or claim, providing expert advice at every stage.

Our aim is to achieve the outcome you are seeking, whether that is a formal apology or compensation for the mistreatment you have experienced. We understand that making a claim can be challenging and emotionally demanding. Our expert civil liberties team will support you from start to finish.

Civil Liberties
Demi
Drury

Senior Associate Solicitor – Head of Civil Liberties

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Civil Liberties
Steven
Matthias

Senior Associate Chartered Legal Executive

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Civil Liberties
Vivien
Lee

Associate Solicitor

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Civil Liberties
Jack
Kirby

Solicitor

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How much compensation can I claim for a civil action against the police?

If your claim is successful, compensation can range from a few hundred pounds to several hundred thousand pounds, depending on the nature and severity of the police misconduct and the impact on you.

Typical examples of compensation amounts include:

  • False imprisonment or unlawful arrest for an hour: from £1,000
  • Minor injuries caused by excessive force: around £1,000 to £5,000
  • More serious injuries or psychological harm: £5,000 to £20,000
  • Malicious prosecution resulting in financial loss and distress: £10,000 to £50,000
  • Severe physical injuries requiring surgery: £20,000 and upwards
  • Cases involving human rights breaches or particularly serious misconduct may attract higher awards

You may also be able to claim for special damages such as lost earnings, medical expenses and other financial losses directly caused by the incident.

Speak to our specialist solicitors for advice and to find out how much you could be entitled to claim.

How long does it take to make a civil action against the police?

The length of time to resolve a civil action against the police varies depending on the complexity of the case and the evidence involved. 

Straightforward cases may take between six months and two years, while more complex claims can take several years to conclude.

Factors affecting the timescale include:

  • Collecting evidence and witness statements
  • Obtaining expert reports
  • Responses from the police and legal teams
  • Court scheduling and any possible appeals

Your solicitor will provide a more accurate timescale based on the details of your case.

How to make a civil action against the police claim

A civil action against the police claim is conducted with the purpose of obtaining compensation for mistreatment and/or an admission of liability. Whether you have made a police complaint or not, contact us today to provide you with specialist advice tailored to your case.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a police complaint and a police claim?

It is important to understand the difference between a police complaint and a police claim. A police complaint addresses whether an officer has failed to meet expected professional standards. If a breach is found, the officer may face disciplinary measures such as dismissal, suspension, limited duties, or a formal warning. In some cases, the matter may be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service. A police claim focuses solely on seeking compensation for harm caused by police misconduct. Unlike complaints, civil claims are pursued through the court system and, if successful, may result in the police force being ordered to pay damages and legal costs.

Can I take the police to court myself?

If you do not have a civil restraint order in place, you can issue court proceedings in some circumstances. However, it is important to remember that actions against the police are often strongly contested. Without the necessary expertise, the process can be complex and the likelihood of a successful outcome may be reduced. We strongly encourage anyone considering legal action against the police to seek legal advice beforehand.

Is there a time limit on making a civil action against the police claim?

Yes. A police complaint should usually be made within one year of the incident. Civil claims for malicious prosecution, trespass to property, assault, false imprisonment, or misfeasance in public office generally have a six-year limitation period. However, if the claim involves personal injury, the time limit is typically three years. It is important to seek legal advice promptly, as these deadlines are crucial.

Do you represent people across the UK?

Yes, although our offices are based in Manchester and Liverpool, we represent individuals throughout England and Wales. We are able to handle matters via telephone, post, and email. We use the latest technology to make the process as straightforward as possible, including the ability to sign documents electronically.

Why choose Express Solicitors?

No matter how tricky the case, we treat every claim with the utmost care and empathy. Our mission? To get you the justice you deserve for your suffering.

With our no-win, no-fee arrangements, you can pursue your civil actions against the police claim without stressing over upfront costs or legal fees.

We’re proud of our ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and our accreditation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). It shows just how committed we are to professional integrity and making our clients happy.

So, why wait? Reach out today to kickstart your civil actions against the police claim and see how much you might be entitled to.

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