Claims Against the Constabulary

1. How many claims have been threatened and/or brought against the police service?
2. How many court actions have been brought against the service or any of its employees?
3. How many of these claims have been brought to trial?
4. Of these, how many resulted in damages awarded?
5. The total amount paid out in court judgements or settlements.
6. The total amount paid out in compensation (including court judgements or settlements).

By 'claim' I mean any letter or other written demand for financial compensation or other civil relief arising out of alleged unlawful acts or omissions in the course of or arising out of policing operations including but not limited to claims for assault, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, misfeasance or private law claims under the Human Right Act.
I would like this data annually for the past two years. I can accept financial or calendar years but please state which one is used.

In accordance with section 1(1) (b) of the Act our response is provided below;

Response based on financial years 1st April 2007 to 31st March 2009

Question 1

Total number of claims intimated against force - 94

Question 2

Court actions brought - this includes claims intimated in previous financial years and claims formally issued within this period - 21

Question 3

Of the claims referred to in 2 above the number brought to trial - 4

Question 4

Of the claims referred to in 3 number resulting in damages - none

Question 5

The total amount paid out in court judgments or settlements - it is assumed that this refers to the total sum paid out in damages (not costs) for the matters brought to trial in the period - none

Question 6

The total amount paid out in compensation (including court judgments or settlements) - it is assumed that this refers to sums paid in damages (and not costs) for all claims paid out in this period irrespective of when claim received - £71159