Avon and Somerset police have faced a growing number of compensation claims in recent years, with residents alleging wrongful arrests, property damage, and misconduct.

Over the past five years, Public Interest Lawyers have obtained details of 374 claims lodged against Avon and Somerset Police, with the financial cost of these claims exceeding £3.5 million.

These claims can include allegations of malicious prosecution, wrongful arrest, assault, sexual misconduct, traffic accidents, and property damage. In some exceptional cases, claims arise from incidents such as officers raiding the homes of innocent people. For example, UK police forces paid out more than £300,000 in compensation over the last three years for such cases, according to The Express.

Avon and Somerset police have responded to the rising number of compensation claims, and said: "Reasons behind compensation claims can vary significantly, from minor damage to property through to more serious claims against the investigation and the complex decision making made by officers.

"We are an organisation which strives to maintain and improve public confidence by being open and transparent. We believe it is important to acknowledge and understand where failings have taken place and to right these.

“It should be noted that not every claim settled includes us accepting liability, and over the past five years, while there has been a steady increase in the number of claims made to Avon and Somerset Police, around half of the claims made were not settled."

Over the past five years, Public Interest Lawyers have obtained details of 374 claims lodged against Avon and Somerset Police, with the financial cost of these claims exceeding £3.5 million.
Over the past five years, Public Interest Lawyers have obtained details of 374 claims lodged against Avon and Somerset Police, with the financial cost of these claims exceeding £3.5 million. (Public Interest Lawyers)

In the year ending March 2023, 1,300 police officers and staff across the 43 UK police forces were referred to formal misconduct proceedings as a result of cases such as police complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters.

Also, during this time, a total of 51,605 police complaints involving 42,854 identifiable police officers were finalised, these complaints involved 120,243 allegations.

JF Law solicitor Lucy Parker said: "The number of claims made against police forces in the UK shines a light on a crucial issue and highlights the importance of holding institutions accountable.

“Potential reasons to claim may include wrongful arrest, assault, malicious prosecution, or negligence. However, it's crucial to remember that each case is unique.

“Reasons such as property damage and forced entry by police, without lawful justification, are serious matters and can constitute a significant breach of an individual's rights. If you believe the police have wronged you, it's essential to seek legal advice promptly to understand your options and potential outcomes."

In a May 2022 report, the IOPC said it was ‘highly likely’ the scale of sexual misconduct within law enforcement ‘remains under-represented’, as not all victims report misconduct, with some fearing they won’t be believed.

Signs of inappropriate sexual behaviour by a police officer, such as private contact, nurturing dependence or being overly familiar, have all been grounds for victims to pursue a claim in the past.

In the year ending March 2023, 1,300 police officers and staff across the 43 UK police forces were referred to formal misconduct proceedings as a result of cases such as police complaints, conduct matters and recordable conduct matters.