Request compensation from the police
If a police officer causes damage to a property during a lawful entry or search, the property owner may be able to claim compensation.
Legal powers allow the police to enter a property or premises in certain circumstances, and compensation is unlikely if the force used was reasonable, proportionate and necessary.
Property owners might be able to claim compensation when:
- officers mistakenly raid or search the wrong premises
- excessive force was used in forcing entry to a property
Request compensation
- online – fill in the make a claim for compensation form
Responsibilities
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.
However, we may consider an ex-gratia payment in appropriate cases.
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 damage
If you want to attempt to claim compensation for non-property-related damage caused by an officer, you need to write to Legal Services.
Make sure you include:
- your contact details, including address, phone number and your email address
- your full name
- your crime reference number, if you have one. This starts with 52 or AS
- information about the incident you are claiming for, such as date and location
- the name or collar number of any officer involved, if you have that
- the amount you are claiming for, including estimates
Contact Legal Services
- by post —
Legal Services
Avon and Somerset Police and Fire HQ
Valley Road
Portishead
North Somerset
BS20 8QJ