Shocking Figures: Over £250k Paid Out by Devon and Cornwall Police for Claims Since 2019

Hundreds of Claims Highlight Growing Concerns

New figures reveal that Devon and Cornwall Police have faced 329 claims since 2019, leading to payouts exceeding £250,000 for cases involving unlawful arrests, trespasses, and property damage. The data, obtained by Public Interest Lawyers, highlights a worrying trend as the number of claims has risen year on year.

In the last five years, the force has paid £279,807.75 in damages, with the largest annual payout of £136,120.96 recorded in 2022/23. The claims stem from allegations including malicious prosecution, assault, traffic collisions, and wrongful arrests.

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Rising Numbers and Alarming Trends

The number of claims lodged against Devon and Cornwall Police has surged recently, with 97 claims submitted in the past year alone. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, including 54 claims in 2020/21 and just 45 in 2019/20.

The top reasons for claims against the force include unlawful arrests and detentions, which accounted for 135 claims, and trespasses, with over 50 claims recorded. Property damage also ranks high among the complaints, alongside forced property entries and vehicle-related incidents.

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Sexual Misconduct Claims in Focus

Claims of sexual misconduct within law enforcement have also emerged as a troubling issue. According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), it is “highly likely” that the scale of this problem remains under-reported, with many victims hesitant to come forward. Signs of inappropriate behaviour, such as private contact and overly familiar actions, have led to claims being pursued.

In 2022, the IOPC reported that misconduct cases involving police officers and staff totalled 1,300 across the UK, highlighting the scale of the problem. During this time, over 51,000 police complaints were finalised, involving allegations against more than 42,000 officers.

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Holding Police Forces Accountable

Public Interest Lawyers, who obtained these figures, stress the importance of accountability. Lucy Parker, a solicitor with JF Law, commented:

“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.”

Parker emphasised the seriousness of matters such as wrongful arrests, property damage, and forced entry without lawful justification, describing them as significant breaches of individual rights.

For those who believe they have been wronged by the police, Public Interest Lawyers offer support, including free advice through a 24-hour helpline and an online claim form, accessible via their website.

Broader Concerns Across the UK

Devon and Cornwall Police are not alone in facing compensation claims. Across the UK, forces have paid out over £300,000 in recent years for raiding innocent people’s homes in at least 255 cases of mistaken identity. These incidents highlight the potential consequences of police errors on individuals’ lives.