What are the time limits for actions against the police?

Typically, you have up to six years from the date of the incident (e.g., the arrest or assault) to bring a civil claim. However, for claims under the Human Rights Act, the time limit is much shorter; usually one year.

Can I claim if I was found guilty of a crime?

In rare circumstances, we can still bring a police misconduct claim irrespective of a conviction, although this makes matters much more difficult and any chance of compensation less likely.

What does it cost to make a claim?

We offer a no-win, no-fee agreement, which means you don't pay a penny upfront. If we win, we take a success fee (typically 25%) from your compensation. Legal Aid is also available for eligible clients.

Who investigates police complaints?

The Independent Office for Police Complaints (IOPC) handles the most serious complaints such as deaths in custody. Other complaints are handled by the police force's own Professional Standards Department. However, neither of these bodies awards compensation; only a civil claim against the police can do that.

Can I make an IOPC complaint on my own?

Yes, you can make an IOPC complaint yourself; however, it is not advised. The complaints system is complex, so having an experienced police misconduct lawyer to help you understand each step and file the claim correctly is always best. There have also been noted cases where the IOPC has not handled actions against the police claims in a correct manner. Our experienced solicitors will ensure the proper process is upheld and will support you from start to finish.

Actions Against the Police Solicitors

What is a Claim Against the Police?

An action against the police claim is a civil legal process where you seek compensation for the police’s breach of your rights.

It is important to note that making a formal complaint is not the same as taking legal action. Typically, complaints are handled by the Professional Standards Department, and in more serious cases, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will investigate.

While the IOPC will investigate police misconduct, they do not award compensation. To receive financial compensation for the harm you suffered due to police negligence, you need to instruct an action against police solicitor to bring a civil claim. That is where we come in.

The process of taking action against the police can seem daunting, but our expert team at Satchell Moran is here to guide you to a deserved resolution.

Specialist Solicitors

We provide fearless legal representation against police misconduct.

1,700+ Claims

Presently running in excess of 3,000 claims.

Nationally Recognised

For our expertise in civil actions against the police.

How to make a civil claim against the police

We make the process of making a claim against police forces straightforward so that you can focus on your recovery.

Speak to our police negligence solicitors: Contact our professional team for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll assess your situation and explain your options clearly.
We take care of the legal work: Your dedicated team will draft and submit your claim and manage all legal correspondence on your behalf. All communications will be discussed with you prior to being sent.
Negotiation and settlement: Most claims settle without needing to go to court. If the case does progress to Court, we will represent you and appoint a Barrister who is an expert in police misconduct claims

Types of Civil Actions Against the Police

False imprisonment is when you have been detained unlawfully without legal justification, reasonable grounds, or the proper procedure.

Assault or any physical force used by an officer that was excessive or unnecessary.

Malicious prosecution whereby you have been prosecuted for an offence where the police knew there was no case or evidence.

Violations of your fundamental rights under the Human Rights Act 1998.

Misuse or unlawful disclosure of your personal information.

Failures in the police’s duty of care that result in injury or death in custody.

Massive Thanks

Massive thanks to Satchell Moran! Especially Daniel Knowles, very professional and easy to get along with and understand, his advice was amazing and he kept me updated through all of it and got me the win I wanted against the police. They tried to offer me a lot less and me and Daniel decided on an amount a lot more than theirs and won! Can’t recommend them enough!

Jordan - Google

Outstanding Service!

Outstanding service! These solicitors demonstrated exceptional legal expertise, pinpointing multiple errors made by the Police. The force acknowledged its liability and proposed a settlement. The entire process was completed within four months, requiring minimal effort.

Nick - Google

I Felt I Was In Good Hands

Amazing firm! The first time someone professional listened to my story and backed me on the belief I wasn't genuinely concerned over the treatment I suffer constantly with the police...thank you so so much! I was paid out speedily, I was part of every process and I felt I was in really good hands.

Paul - Google

Professional & Helpful

They helped me to sue the police for false arrest and detainment. Kept me informed all the way and advised me accordingly. Did not put pressure on me.

Janice - Review Solicitors

Mistaken Identity

Absolutely incredible. Was dealing with a case of mistaken identity. They were 100% into helping me from the start. And they helped win my case with a settlement. Hopefully I'll never have to, but I would definitely use their services again

Jojo- Google

Wrongful Arrest

Very helpful in guiding me through the process of a claim for wrongful arrest against the police and a professional service and advice.

David - Trustpilot

Why choose Satchell Moran Solicitors?

Our dedicated team of police misconduct solicitors handle a wide range of claims arising from police negligence or abuse. We are experienced, professional, and will be by your side every step of the way.

We understand how difficult experiencing police misconduct can be, so we handle every unique case with the care it deserves.

More about us and how we help

No-win, no-fee

No upfront costs, only pay if we win.

Trusted experts

We're highly rated on Trustpilot, see why for yourself.

500+ years of experience

Leave the legal stuff to us, we will work hard for the best outcome.

How can Satchell Moran help you?

The compensation that we have achieved for previous clients has helped them cover medical expenses, lost income, and the effects of pain or stress caused by the incident. It has also provided financial support while they recover from any inflicted trauma.

Our dedicated actions against public authorities lawyers have years of experience handling complex cases, so if you are considering making a claim against the police, we are here to support you. If you want to seek compensation for police abuse, negligence, or misconduct, get in touch with Satchell Moran now.

Civil Claim, Police Complaint or CICA: What’s the Difference?

People affected by police misconduct sometimes ask whether a civil claim, a complaint to the IOPC, and a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) are the same thing. They are not.

A complaint can lead to disciplinary action against an officer but does not itself result in compensation for you. A CICA claim is a separate government scheme that compensates victims of violent crime and is not dependent on the police being found at fault. A civil claim against the police, by contrast, is a legal case brought directly against the force seeking compensation, an apology, or changes to its practices, decided on the balance of probabilities in the civil courts.

We generally act on civil claims once any relevant complaint outcome or prosecution has been resolved. If your complaint has not yet been upheld, or you are currently facing prosecution in connection with the incident, tell our team so we can advise you on the best next step.

Actions Against The Police FAQs

Yes. If a police force or officer has breached your rights, for example through wrongful arrest, excessive force, trespass, malicious prosecution or misfeasance in public office, you may be able to bring a civil claim for compensation.

A complaint, usually handled by a force’s Professional Standards Department or the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in more serious cases, can lead to disciplinary action against an officer, but it does not itself pay compensation. A civil claim is a separate legal case brought against the police force seeking compensation, an apology, or changes to policy. Our Claims Against Public Authorities guide covers this distinction in more detail.

No. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) operates a government scheme that compensates victims of violent crime and does not require the police to be found at fault. A civil claim against the police is brought directly against the force, seeking compensation for its own wrongdoing, such as unlawful arrest or excessive force.

Legal aid technically remains available for some actions against the police under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, but it is subject to strict means and merits testing and is rarely granted in practice. For this reason, most claims, including those we handle, proceed on a no win no fee basis.

Yes, you can make an IOPC claim yourself; however, it is not advised for various reasons. Firstly, the complaints system is complex, so having an experienced police misconduct lawyer to help you understand each step and file the claim correctly is always best.

Additionally, there have been noted cases where the IOPC has not handled actions against the police claims in a correct manner. Our experienced solicitors will ensure the proper process is upheld and will support you from start to finish.