Assault, Battery & Excessive Force by the Police

If you have been physically attacked or assaulted by police officers, it’s vital to report this and take legal action straight away. You and your loved ones need to feel safe at the hands of law enforcers and reporting threatening behaviour and physical abuse will go a long way towards improving policing across the country. 

It’s hard to know what to do if a police officer assaults you, but if you can prove that the actions of the officers in question were disproportionate to what would have been required in the circumstances, DPP Law can likely assist you in making a claim – particularly if you have strong evidence such as video recordings of the incident or witness accounts. 

Our action against police solicitors can also provide advice on:

• Wrongful arrest
• Human rights breaches
• Malicious prosecution
• Misfeasance in public office
• Unlawful searches

Claiming Compensation for Excessive Force by the Police

The circumstances of the assault will affect the level of compensation you may receive. If the assault left you with very serious injuries, you may be awarded as much as £500,000. You could get an additional sum for loss of earnings if you’ve not been able to work as a result of any injuries. 

You may have a case for police battery or excessive force if you are:

• Struck either with hands, an ASP baton or another object
• Aggressively manhandled
• Sprayed with CS gas
• Tasered.

You do not need to be physically injured by a police officer to claim compensation for assault. You simply need to be able to prove that you were put in fear of violence by a show of aggression, such as an officer raising a baton as a threat.

One of our specialist actions against the police solicitors, Iain Gould, helped a former security guard to achieve £26,500 in compensation after being wrongly cuffed and tasered by West Midlands Police. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered excessive force by a police officer?

Any use of physical action by a police officer that is too heavy-handed in the context of the situation may be considered excessive force or police battery.

What should I do if a police officer assaults me?

If you’re struggling to decide what to do if you are assaulted by a police officer, you should know that you have several options. Your first step should be to seek legal assistance. You can also file an official complaint against the officer in question. 

How do I make a complaint against a police officer?

If you have been assaulted by police officers, the methods by which you may make a complaint include filing one with the Professional Standards Department, or with the IOPC. 

As your legal representatives and advisors, DPP Law can offer you:

• Trustworthy 24-hour specialist legal advice, counsel and support
• More than 30 years of experience
• Clarity and transparency throughout

Don’t let law enforcement officials throw their weight around or make you or anyone you know feel afraid. By contacting DPP Law today, not only will you be able to mount a strong case against officers who have behaved with unwarranted violence and force, but your actions will also help hold the wider force to account. Get in touch with us now to get started.