Request compensation for something the police have done

In some situations, you might be able to claim for compensation for something the police have done that was accidental or unlawful in some way.

Compensation is unlikely to be paid if the damage or injury was caused by the police acting lawfully.

What you can apply for

You can ask the police for compensation for things like:

• lost or damaged property (eg, the police took your mobile phone to get evidence from it and you didn't get it back)
• forced entry (eg, the police were given the wrong address and broke down your front door by mistake)
• road traffic collision (eg, while carrying out a lawful chase, a police car swerved and damaged your parked car)

How to apply

You can contact us about a claim either online or by post:

Online

Click 'Start' below to contact us online. 

We'll ask you for:

• your details
• a case or report number (if you have one)
• details about the police staff or officers involved (if there are any)
• your reasons for claiming compensation

It is important to us that your claim is reviewed fairly, and as quickly as possible. That’s why we ask you to provide your contact information and details about what happened. It means we can get in touch with any questions or updates we may have.

Start

By post 

Please write to:

East Midlands Police Legal Services
Derbyshire Police Headquarters
Butterley Hall
Ripley
Derbyshire
DE5 3RS

Please include the following information:

• your full name and contact details (including postal address, phone number and your email address, if possible)
• your case or report number (if you have one) and as much information as you can provide about the incident you are claiming for (eg, date, location)
• the name or shoulder/collar number of any officer, staff member or volunteer involved
• your reasons for claiming compensation and the amount (even if it's only an estimate) that you are claiming

What happens after you’ve applied

We'll reply with a reference number and the name, phone number and email address of the lawyer, claims handler or other person dealing with your claim.

In some cases we may send your claim to external solicitors to handle on our behalf. In this case they will write to you with this information. From that point, please correspond with the person handling the claim, always remembering to quote your reference number.

We'll investigate any genuine claim against us and we try to resolve most claims without needing to start legal proceedings. In fact, the courts expect both parties to attempt to resolve disputes without going to court.

This is why we ask you to give full details of your claim and to allow us a reasonable time to investigate and negotiate before you start legal proceedings against us.

Legal proceedings

If you do decide to start legal proceedings against us, please send the details to:

East Midlands Police Legal Services
Derbyshire Police Headquarters
Butterley Hall
Ripley
Derbyshire
DE5 3RS

The East Midlands Police Legal Services is authorised to act on behalf of the chief constables of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire police services for all civil proceedings, including judicial review and other civil claims.

The East Midlands Police Legal Services also manages claims against the Police and Crime Commissioner.