Actions Against The Police

At St Pauls Chambers, barristers advise on many different courses of action against the police. Members of Chambers have substantial experience of such civil cases, including written advice and advocacy.

It is important to note that in such cases the barristers at St Pauls Chambers do not accept instruction under the Public Access Scheme.  We work alongside a number of reputable solicitors firms.  The solicitors are best placed to make an initial assessment of your claim and instruct a barrister to provide an opinion on the prospects of success.  Funding these claims can be costly so it is important that you have the benefit of advice from a solicitor about the funding options available to you.  We do not offer no-win, no-fee, also known as Conditional Fee Agreements, (CFA) without a solicitor being instructed and not all barristers will accept instruction under a CFA.

Solicitors Firms on Actions Against the Police

• Donoghue Solicitors – Liverpool
• DPP – Liverpool
• Henry Hyams – Leeds 
• Higgs Newton Kenyon (HNK) – Liverpool
• Hodge Jones & Allen – Liverpool
• Hudgells – Hull
• Irwin Mitchell – Sheffield
• Ison Harrison – Leeds
• Jackson Lees – Liverpool
• Satchell Moran – Liverpool
• Farleys – Manchester

Cases involving actions against the police are civil claims for compensation made through the courts. The police have extensive powers, and it’s vital that citizens who have been subject to abuse of these powers are able to bring civil actions against the police.

Legal action against police is brought by those who have been wronged by the police in some way.

Such claims go further than a mere complaint; when bringing legal action against the police, victims of police misconduct usually seek financial compensation and contributions towards their legal costs. However, there are instances where additional remedies such as an apology, the destruction of DNA and personal data, or a correction of records held on the Police National Computer can arise.

Legal Action Against Police

Every case relating to actions against the police is different. The most prevalent types of claim relate to:

• False imprisonment
• Assault/battery
• Malicious prosecution
• Misfeasance in public office
• Trespass
• Negligence

Actions Against the Police Case Studies

• In 2021, one of our members, Ayman Khokhar, successfully represented a claimant bringing legal action against the police for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment. The claimant won damages on the basis that the police did not have reasonable grounds for suspicion prior to her arrest.
• In 2020, Richard Barraclough KC counselled the respondent to an appeal claim of police negligence when a lorry driver was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and his unattended lorry then had its cargo stolen in an area known for thefts.

Why Choose St Pauls Chambers?

At St Pauls Chambers, our barristers have considerable experience in both bringing and defending actions against the police. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach so you will receive not only the expert knowledge of your barrister, but the support of the entire team.

From advising pre-action, drafting cogent pleadings, devising an effective case strategy, to persuasive trial advocacy, Actions Against the Police barristers at St Pauls provide first-class representation throughout proceedings.