PCD 1585 Application to settle a claim against the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

PCD 1585 Application to settle a claim against the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

The DMPC agree a request to settle a claim against the MPS, as set out in the part 2 report.   

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime has the discretion to authorise the settlement of legal proceedings where it would be conducive to the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force. 

The DMPC is asked to approve an application to settle a claim against the MPS, as identified in part 2 of this report.  

PART I - NON-CONFIDENTIAL FACTS AND ADVICE TO THE DMPC 

Decision required – supporting report 

1. Introduction and background 

1. The claim arises out of Road Traffic Collision that took place on 1 November 2019. A police vehicle answering an emergency call collided with a pedestrian on a zebra crossing outside the entrance to Hounslow Railway Station. 

2. The officer driving the vehicle was convicted of causing death by careless driving and subsequently dismissed.   

2. Financial Comments 

1. The cost of any settlement, if agreed, would be met from the centrally held MPS third party claims provision budget.  

3. Legal Comments 

1. Pursuant to the MOPAC Scheme of Consent and Delegation 2016, MOPAC must authorise the settlement because it fulfils the criteria set out in section 4.10 of the Scheme including the financial level. 

2. The DMPC has the power to authorise any sum required in connection with the settlement for any claim made against the Commissioner under Section 88 of the Police Act 1996. 

3. There is an open and exempt report as some of the information relates to data protection, is commercially sensitive and is legal professional privileged. 

4. Equality Comments 

1. It is noted that the  claimant’s claim includes a claim for discrimination brought under Article 14 European Court of Human Rights. On the evidence the Commissioner does not believe that race had an impact in this matter. To continue policing with the consent of the population it serves, the police will always seek to treat everyone fairly and openly.  Race or equality issues do not appear to have an impact in this matter. 

5. Background/supporting papers 

1. Part two exempt reports