Unlawful Searches
If you have been the victim of unlawful searches by the police, DPP Law’s specialist solicitors can help you challenge the misconduct and claim compensation.
If you wish to make any unlawful searches claims or complaints regarding unreasonable searches and seizures, DPP Law can help you.
We will go through all evidence obtained, including video footage, images or audio recordings of the search and any other record of the behaviour of police officers, including witness statements, and examine all circumstances of the unlawful search incident in full to build a strong case for you.
Can I make an unlawful search claim?
Circumstances under which you may make a claim include instances where the police have:
- Conducted any illegal police searches of your property or person
- Raided the incorrect address
- Obtained a search warrant based on fabricated evidence
- Provided an insufficient reason to believe your property had any involvement with the crime
The circumstances in which police are allowed to enter your property without permission or a warrant and conduct a police search include situations in which there is a danger to life or there is an arrestable offender believed to be within the premises.
In 2024, Iain Gould successfully assisted a family in holding the Thames Valley Police accountable for an unlawful house raid and recovered for our clients over £57,000 in compensation, plus costs.
You can also make unlawful search claims if you’ve been the subject of a stop and search that didn’t adhere to the following regulations:
- Telling the subject why they are being searched and what law enforcement officers expect to find
- Not stopping a subject due to their race or background
- Only ask questions that are relevant to the search
- Informing the subject of the ID numbers, names, and police stations of all present officers
- Informing the subject of their right to a record of the search, and where to obtain this
How much could I receive for an unlawful search claim?
While there are no clear guideline amounts in terms of the compensation you may receive, a stop and search that neglects correct procedure could see you awarded £250, while unlawful premises searches and failure to provide copies of warrants could result in a £1,500 payout.
In 2022, our Actions Against the Police Expert Iain Gould assisted Zac Sharif-Ali in holding the Metropolitan Police accountable for a wrongful stop and search, and recovered £30,000 in compensation plus costs.
How DPP Law can assist with unlawful searches
As your legal representatives and advisors, DPP Law can offer you:
- Trustworthy 24-hour specialist legal advice, counsel and support
- More than 35 years’ of experience
- Clarity and transparency throughout
To find out if you can claim for unlawful entry and searches by police of your property, get in touch with our actions against police solicitors, and we’ll discuss your case with you and help you with your complaint.
Our action against police solicitors can also provide advice on:
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FAQs
A police search is unlawful if officers do not have the legal authority or fail to follow the correct procedures. Examples include:
- Searching you without reasonable grounds or valid suspicion
- Failing to explain the legal power being used and the reason for the search
- Conducting a search without proper consent when consent is required
- Using excessive force or searching in an inappropriate or degrading manner
- Searching your home or vehicle without a warrant (unless a recognised exception applies)
- Failing to provide identification or a record of the search when required
- If the police act outside these rules, the search may be considered unlawful.
What should I do if I think a police search was unlawful?
If you believe a search was not carried out lawfully, you should:
- Write down everything you remember — time, location, officers’ details, what was said, and how the search was carried out.
- Gather evidence — photos, video footage, witness details and any documents the police gave you.
- Seek legal advice immediately — a solicitor can assess whether the search breached police powers and advise on your options.
- Consider making a formal complaint — this can be done directly or through a solicitor for added protection and accuracy.
Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your position.
Yes. If the police conducted an unlawful search, you may be entitled to compensation. Claims can cover:
- Distress, humiliation, or emotional impact
- Property damage or financial loss
- Physical injury (if any force was used)
- Aggravated or exemplary damages in more serious cases
A solicitor can assess the strength of your case and help you pursue compensation through a civil claim.
Unlawful search complaints are usually investigated through the police’s Professional Standards Department (PSD). In more serious cases — or where there are allegations of discrimination, abuse of power, or repeated misconduct — the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) may take over or supervise the investigation.
A solicitor can submit the complaint on your behalf, ensure it is properly handled, and help protect your rights throughout the process.