PCD 1724 Request for authorisation to settle claims for damages against the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

PCD 1724 Request for authorisation to settle claims for damages against the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) 

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC) is asked to approve the settlement of claims for damages against the MPS. 

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

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC) is asked to approve the settlement of claims for damages 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 civil claims where it would be conducive to the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force. 

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

1. Introduction and background 

1. The claims are brought by claimants named in the exempt report 

2. The Claimants claim damages including aggravated and exemplary damages for negligence, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, misuse of private information, trespass, false imprisonment and under the Equality Act for racial discrimination following the execution of search warrants obtained under the Firearms Act to search their home addresses. The first claimant also brings a claim in respect of the subsequent investigation against him for money laundering. 

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

2. Pursuant to the MOPAC Scheme of Delegation dated October 2016, DMPC must authorise settlements above £50,000.00, or those claims that are otherwise high profile or sensitive, according to the criteria set out in section 4.10 of the Scheme. 

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. GDPR and Data Privacy  

1. The processing of personal data has been minimised as part of this decision and is held within Part 2 of the report. 

5. Equality Comments 

1. It is noted that the claimants’ claims includes a claim for discrimination brought under the Equality Act and Article 14 European Convention on Human Rights. There is a dispute about whether 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. 

6. Background/supporting papers 

1. Refer to Part 2 of the report.