Rising police misconduct cases: What it means for seeking compensation
For legal assistance with seeking compensation for police misconduct contact our specialist team. We offer a free consultation service and can work on a No Win, No Fee basis. Give us a call on 0333 888 0419 or email us at [email protected]
Recently published government statistics on police misconduct reveal a significant rise in cases in England and Wales, highlighting the increasing accountability for police officers and staff.
In the year ending 31 March 2024, a total of 1,698 individuals, including 1,312 police officers, were referred to formal misconduct proceedings, representing a 31% increase from the previous year. The severity of the misconduct cases is evident, with a larger proportion of officers (31%) referred to full misconduct hearings, compared to 27% in 2023. Additionally, 25% of officers faced accelerated misconduct hearings, up from 19% the previous year. These hearings often address allegations of gross misconduct, a serious issue for both the public and those affected by police actions.
Of the 324 officers referred to accelerated hearings, an overwhelming 99% (321) were found guilty of gross misconduct. This high rate of proven misconduct could offer victims a stronger basis for seeking compensation for personal injury or emotional distress caused by police actions.
As misconduct proceedings become more rigorous, victims of police misconduct should be aware that there are increasing opportunities for legal recourse, ensuring that accountability extends to providing fair compensation for the harm they have endured.
If you would like to know where you stand on making a claim for compensation for police misconduct then contact our specialist team for a free consultation and details of our popular No Win, No fee funding scheme.