PCD 1806 Application for Financial Assistance for the legal representation of police officers at an Inquest

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC) is asked to consider an application for financial assistance of the sum of £31,185.00 (exclusive of VAT) made by the Applicants for legal representation at a public inquiry. This amount excludes solicitors and counsels disbursement costs outlined within the exempt report but for which estimated costs are unknown. 

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime has the discretion to authorise financial assistance for police officers and staff where it would be conducive to the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force. 

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is recommended to: refuse the application for financial assistance made by the Applicant for the sum of £31,185.00 (exclusive of VAT) for the reasons set out in part two. 

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

1. Introduction and background 

1. Part 2 of this Report is exempt because it falls within an exemption specified in para 2(2) of the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011 and/or under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, e.g. because the information amounts to personal data, is confidential or commercially sensitive. 

2. These proceedings concern the representation of four serving police officers at inquest proceedings. 

3. Applicants represent that issues arise between the Commissioner and the Applicants.  The MPS advise that they see no conflict and will represent the Applicants as MPS witnesses. 

4. The Applicants represents that they satisfy the criteria for entitlement to financial assistance namely: that they were performing their official duties; that they were acting in good faith and there was no neglect or wilful default on their part; and that they exercised reasonable judgement.  The facts provided by the Applicants in support of their representation for financial assistance are set out in the exempt report.   

5. The Commissioner’s position in relation to the Applicants representations for financial assistance are set out in the exempt report.   

6. There is disagreement between the Commissioner and the Applicant on the conflict or interest arguments accordingly the DMPC will need to consider whether the Applicants requires separate legal representation and financial assistance.   

2. Issues for consideration 

1. For the DMPC to consider whether there is a conflict of interest requiring separate representation and financial assistance and whether the financial assistance will secure an efficient and effective Police Service 

3. Financial Comments 

1. The funding estimate is for the representation of the applicants. This estimate is in relation to the period from October 2023 to January 2025 to include preparation and attendance at hearing. 

2. The cost of these legal fees, if authorised, will need to be met from reserves, or through underspends delivered elsewhere in MOPAC. 

4. Legal Comments 

1. MOPAC has the power to act under paragraph 14 of Schedule 1 to the PRSRA 2011 to meet the costs of legal representation of police officers and staff involved in proceedings. 

2. The DMPC has delegated authority under section 4.9 of  the Scheme of Consent and Delegation 2016, to consider the current application 

3. Home Office Circular 010/2017 provides guidance which applies to MOPAC. In conclusion it states 

 “…police officers and staff must be confident that local policing bodies will provide financial assistance, whether in full or part, for officers facing legal proceedings where they have acted in good faith and have exercised their judgement reasonably”. 

5. 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. 

6. Equality Comments 

1. 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.   

7. Background/supporting papers 

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