A Welsh police force has paid out hundreds of thousands of pounds in damages in the past five years after almost 200 claims were made against it by members of the public, new figures reveal. Since 2019, Dyfed-Powys Police – the force responsible for policing Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Powys – has paid out a total of £324,000 in damages.
The figures, obtained via a Freedom of Information Request, show that 186 claims were logged against the force between 2019 and 2004. In 2019/2020, 36 claims were made, with nine of those being settled. A year later, nine claims were again settled but during that period only 22 were made. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
In 2021/2022, the number of claims rose to 38, with 11 of those being settled, and a year later those numbers dropped to 36 and eight respectively. Over the past year – 2023/2024 – there has been a big increase in claims, with 54 made against the force, seven of which were settled.
In terms of the amount of compensation paid out each year, the highest sum was during 2021/2022, when a whopping £138,111.69 was paid out to members of the public and/or staff. Reasons for making a claim can vary, but the most common ones affecting Dyfed-Powys Police between 2019 and 2024 were unlawful arrest or detention, financial losses, personal injury, and failing in duty of care.
The most common reasons for compensation claims made against Dyfed-Powys Police in the past five years
(Image: Public Interest Lawyers)
The amounts paid out in each of those years by the force
(Image: Public Interest Lawyers)
Speaking to Public Interest Lawyers, who obtained the statistics, JF Law solicitor Lucy Parker said: “The number of claims made against police forces in the UK shines a light on a crucial issue and highlights the importance of holding institutions accountable. Potential reasons to claim may include wrongful arrest, assault, malicious prosecution, or negligence, however, it’s crucial to remember that each case is unique.
“Reasons such as property damage and forced entry by police, without lawful justification, are serious matters and can constitute a significant breach of an individual’s rights. If you believe the police have wronged you, it’s essential to seek legal advice promptly to understand your options and potential outcomes.”
Dyfed-Powys Police headquarters in the Llangunnor area of Carmarthen
(Image: Media Wales)
Wider afield across the UK, the Express reported that police forces actually paid out more than £300,000 in compensation in the space of three years because “officers battered down the wrong doors” at least 255 times during property raids. Claims made against police forces across the UK since 2019 include both public claims and employer liability claims, which are brought internally by police officers and other staff. The most common claim reason across the board is property damage, ahead of other reasons including vehicle damage following collisions.
Dyfed-Powys Police has been asked to respond to the figures released.
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