Discrimination by the police can happen in many ways and most of the time it is not even obvious. You may feel that you were treated worse than someone else because of a personal characteristic, also referred to as a ‘protected characteristic’. If police have abused their power and discriminated against you, they can be sued.

How we can help

Our Actions Against the Police team has many years’ experience bringing claims arising from discrimination by the police. This is a complex and specialist area of law, and our representation can help you navigate how best to bring your claim.

Who can claim

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to discriminate against anyone on a wide range of grounds (known as 'protected characteristics'): race, disability, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, age, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.

Some police discrimination is direct and obvious; other kinds may be indirect and less obvious - but are still unlawful. If police fail to make 'reasonable adjustments' in their working practises to meet the needs of disabled people, that can also amount to unlawful discrimination.

The police must also comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty (‘PSED’), which essentially means having ‘due regard’ to eliminating discrimination.

Claims for discrimination must usually be started at court no later than 6 months less one day after the act of discrimination.

You may also have grounds to bring a claim under the Human Rights Act or for false imprisonment. Depending on what you want to achieve, we can also advise you on the benefits of pursuing a police complaint aimed at holding individual officers to account.

Funding your claim

If you are on a low income or receive a means-tested benefit, you may qualify for legal aid to cover the cost of your claim. If not, we may be able to offer a Conditional Fee Agreement (commonly known as a no-win, no-fee arrangement) or other flexible funding options.

Get expert advice

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against because of any of the above factors, we’re here to help. Please complete our new enquiries form and a specialist solicitor will review your case. We aim to respond within two working days.