ASSAULT, BATTERY & EXCESSIVE FORCE
Feeling safe around those sworn to protect us is a fundamental right. When a police officer uses unwarranted violence, they aren’t just breaking your trust—they are committing a crime.
As a specialist in actions against the police, I help victims of police brutality stand up to the force. Whether the incident involved a physical attack or the threat of violence, my goal is to ensure the officers involved are held accountable and you receive the compensation necessary to move forward.
What Constitutes Police Assault?
You do not need to suffer a permanent physical injury to have a claim. Under UK law, you may have a case for police battery or assault if you were:
- Struck: Hit with hands, an ASP baton, or any other object.
- Manhandled: Aggressively handled during an arrest or search.
- Weaponised Force: Sprayed with CS/PAVA gas or Tasered.
- Put in Fear: Even if no physical contact was made, a “show of aggression”—such as an officer raising a baton or threatening you with a weapon—can be grounds for a claim.
Compensation For Excessive Force
- Serious Injuries: In cases of life-altering physical or psychological trauma, awards can reach as high as £500,000.
- Financial Impact: I also pursue additional sums for loss of earnings if your injuries have prevented you from working.
- Aggravated Damages: If the police acted in a particularly high-handed or insulting manner, I fight for extra damages to reflect the injury to your feelings and dignity.
Proven Results: I recently represented a former security guard who was wrongly handcuffed and Tasered by West Midlands Police. We successfully secured £26,500 in compensation for the trauma and misconduct he endured.
What To Do If You've Been Assaulted By an Officer
- Seek Medical Attention:
Even if injuries seem minor, medical records are vital evidence. - Gather Evidence:
Video recordings (from phones or CCTV) and witness accounts are the strongest tools in proving that the force used was “disproportionate.” - Seek Specialist Legal Advice:
Before filing an official complaint with the Professional Standards Department or the IOPC, speak with a solicitor. An independent legal claim is often the only way to secure a formal apology and financial redress.
Expert Legal Representation
Personal injury claims, including police assault, typically have a strict 3-year time limit. Don’t delay your assessment
With over 30 years of experience, I provide the expert guidance needed to challenge the thin blue line. By taking action, you aren’t just seeking compensation—you are helping to keep your community safer by demanding a higher standard of policing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The law allows police to use "reasonable force" to carry out their duties (such as making a lawful arrest). Force becomes excessive the moment it becomes heavy-handed or disproportionate to the threat posed. If you were compliant and still struck or Tasered, the force used was likely unlawful.
Yes. If an officer’s behavior put you in immediate fear of violence—such as lunging at you or brandishing a weapon aggressively—this can be classified as assault. You have the right to claim for the psychological distress and the breach of your rights.
You can file a complaint directly with the police force's Professional Standards Department or the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). However, these bodies cannot award you compensation. To get financial justice, you must bring a civil claim through a specialist solicitor.
Yes. Even if the arrest itself was lawful, the manner in which it was conducted must be proportionate. If the police used excessive force or manhandled you unnecessarily during a valid arrest, you still have a claim for assault.