Discrimination By The Police

Discrimination by the Police: Sex, Race and Disability

Under the Equality Act 2010, certain protected characteristics are established and it is illegal to discriminate against an individual or group of people on the grounds of these protected characteristics, including:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation

Police officers must carry out their duties in accordance with the Equality Act and not discriminate against people because of their protected characteristics.

Disability discrimination not only includes physical disability, but also any mental health condition or learning difficulty. People with a physical disability, learning disability or mental health condition are entitled to be treated with the same respect and care as others – including having their rights explained to them, or making sure that they are adequately represented if they are detained under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis Action Against Public Authorities solicitors can advise on making a police complaint about sex, race and disability discrimination – as well as advising on appealing any decision by the police force concerned to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (formerly known as the IPCC) or applying for Judicial Review of a decision by the police or IOPC.

There is a 12-month limitation period for making complaints to the police. Complaints made out of this time period are at the discretion of the police force and a reasonable cause for the delay must be given, such as new evidence collected.

Our solicitors advise anyone wishing to make a complaint about sex, race or disability discrimination by police officers to contact our solicitors as soon as possible following an incident.

Duncan Lewis may be able to secure legal aid, or offer a no win no fee arrangement for advising on police complaints and 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.

Because of the time limit, we advise clients to get in touch as soon as possible if they wish to make a complaint and pursue a compensation claim for discrimination by the police.

Duncan Lewis may be able to secure legal aid, or to offer a no win no fee arrangement for advising on police complaints and 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 actions against the police and discrimination, call Duncan Lewis Action Against Public Authorities solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.