Request compensation from the police
If a police officer causes damage to a property during an entry or search, the property owner may be able to claim compensation.
Legal powers allow the police to:
- enter and search premises
- seize property in certain circumstances
Compensation is unlikely if actions carried out by police officers are lawful.
Request compensation
- online – fill in the make a claim for compensation form
Ineligible for compensation
Boarding-up costs
Avon and Somerset Police are not responsible for emergency boarding-up costs where officers have forced entry lawfully, under statutory powers.
In these cases, the owner or occupier is responsible for the cost, either by paying it themselves or by referring it to their insurance company.
Officer acting under authority
Where damage was caused by officers acting under authority, Avon and Somerset Police does not accept any legal liability to pay compensation.
Personal injuries
If you sustained a personal injury following an interaction with an officer, you are advised to seek legal advice if you wish to pursue it. Compensation or an ex-gratia payment will not be paid.
Non-property-related claims
If you wish to initiate a non-property-related claim for compensation, seek independent legal advice before you inform Legal Services of your intention.
Contact Legal Services
- by post —
Legal Services
Avon and Somerset Police and Fire HQ
Valley Road
Portishead
North Somerset
BS20 8QJ