Misfeasance Police

Misfeasance and Abuse of Power by the Police

A claim for misfeasance involves a police officer or officers deliberately abusing their position to cause damage to an individual; this might be financial loss, loss of liberty, personal injury or death but can also include loss of reputation.

Misfeasance is sometimes known as misconduct in public office and can involve a wide range of irregularities in procedures, bribery and corruption.

The Code of Conduct for Police Officers and the Code of Ethics stipulate that police officers have a legal duty to follow procedures and not take advantage of the position they hold.

A claim for misfeasance can involve many different circumstances – and in some cases, might result in wrongful conviction or a period of false imprisonment.

Our solicitors are well placed to advise on misfeasance claims and can advise on the specifics of cases involving criminal prosecutions and misfeasance, if necessary.

There is a six-year time limit to making claims for misfeasance, but Duncan Lewis advises clients to get in touch as soon as possible to prepare a claim and discuss making a formal complaint to the police force involved prior to serving a claim.

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 misfeasance, call Duncan Lewis Action Against Public Authorities solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.