Request for authorisation to settle a claim against the MPS

The DMPC agree a request for authorisation to settle claims 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 a civil claim where it would be conducive to the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force.

The DMPC authorises the settlement of a claim up to a maximum amount, as identified in part 2 of this report.

1. Introduction and background

1.1. The claimant brings a claim for conversion in relation to property seized from his premises whilst he was under investigation for fraud.

1.2. Following the conclusion of the investigation police did not return the seized property to the claimant but instead sold it at auction. The claimant alleges that he was lawfully entitled to possess the seized goods and that they were converted by police, who had no lawful basis for asserting rights of ownership over them.

2. Financial Comments

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

3. Legal Comments

3.1. Pursuant to the MOPAC Scheme of Consent and Delegation 2014, MOPAC must authorise the settlement because it fulfils the criteria set out in section 4.10 of the Scheme including the financial level.

3.2. 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.

3.3. 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

4.1. 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.

5. Background/supporting papers

5.1. Part two exempt report