Handcuffs, police dogs and compensation claims

It has been revealed that UK police have forked out more than half a million in compensation

claims for force blunders such as raiding the incorrect properties. The service nationwide has paid out to repair damaged ornaments, smashed windows, broken doors and wrecked walls. It is thought that 30 police forces have shelled out 560,000 in compensation for blunders and repair costs in 2009, according to the Freedom of Information Act. The Metropolitan Police Service were at the top of the most damage wanted list, paying out 283,829 more than half of the total sum across Britain. The service also issued the highest single payout, 6,932, though the force was unable to reveal what this was for. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were found guilty of having the next highest overall total, paying 45,072.70 last year, followed closely by Lothian and Borders Police with 43,880.89. In fourth place Kent Police paid 26,523, while Thames Valley Police came a criminalising fifth with a total of 25,725.14. In arresting exposure, Durham police paid out for damage to 35 doors while Northamptonshire Police had to replace eight, in the last financial year. The figures revealed payments for redecorating, replacing ornaments, fixing locks, re-plastering and providing glazing services. The most common costs among 3,607 payouts were for replacing or repairing doors, listed by 50 per cent of forces. Due to time constraints most forces were unable to break down each claim individually. But seven per cent said they had to pay to replace ornaments, whilst 13 per cent of police forces admitted repairing locks. Another ten per cent said they had to pay compensation after breaking into the wrong address. Dyfed Powys Police had to pay 1,000 for raiding an ''incorrect address'' and Strathclyde Police paid an undisclosed sum following a ''forced entry to the wrong house''. Grampian Police paid 1,159.71 last year in liability costs ''for entering the wrong property when attempting to execute a lawful warrant''. Handcuffed by claims It appears that the police have got themselves in a knot when it comes to compensation claims, as there have been several reports of police mistakes over the years. One example was in September, when Northamptonshire Police and drug officers horrified a young woman by smashing into her property with a battering ram-with a warrant for next door. The 24-year-old nursery nurse, was breastfeeding her five-day-old daughter on the sofa when police raided her home, arrested her partner, friend and stepfather all were released later without charge. The mother-of-two from Wellingborough, Northants, said the police should be ashamed for bungling more than 3,600 raids last year. She stated: 'That's an absolute joke. Northants Police told me these mistakes were rare but it looks like the police screw things up all over the country. It's crazy, I can't believe there have been so many mistakes. The police need to do their homework much better in the future. Northamptonshire Police replaced her front door 12 weeks after the sting took place!

Handcuffs, police dogs and compensation claims

By: catherine

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