Assault by an Immigration Detention Officer

Assault by an Immigration Detention Officer

Detention custody officers (DCOs) are expected to not only provide care, security and safety to everyone within an immigration detention centre but they are also required to treat people with respect and consideration.

Officers are trained to be able to deal with aggressive or violent detainees and as a result they may be in a position where they are required to use force to reduce risks and maintain everyone’s safety. The use of force however, must be proportionate, lawful and necessary and DCOs are responsible for all their actions.

Unfortunately, some officers abuse these powers and the use of excessive and unnecessary force can lead to assault. Victims can suffer serious injuries and in the worst cases even death.

Duncan Lewis Action Against Public Authorities solicitors can advise those who have suffered excessive force at the hands of a detention custody officer on how to make a formal complaint to the detention centre in question or how to make a personal injury claim.

We strongly advise that anyone wishing to make a complaint about assault or excessive force by a detention custody officer contacts our solicitors as soon as possible when details of the incident are still clear – such as witness statements and CCTV footage – and available.

Personal injury claims need to be made within three years of the incident or the diagnosis of injury.

Duncan Lewis may be able to secure legal aid, or to offer a no win no fee arrangement for advising on assault claims– with competitively priced rates for privately funding a claim or After the Event (ATE) insurance, if either legal aid is unavailable or where a no win no fee basis is not possible.

For expert legal advice on assault in immigration detention centres or use of excessive force by detention officers, call Duncan Lewis Action Against Public Authorities solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.