Legal and Professional Standards Department - Civil claims policy (P03)

1. Security protective marking

1.1 Not protectively marked.

2. Summary of changes

2.1. This policy has been reviewed in February 2024 - no amendments to content made. 

3. What the policy is about

3.1. This policy seeks to explain the process of a civil claim, what to do when an individual receives a letter from a member of the public or legal representative asking for compensation and the Kent Police insurance policy. 

Compliance with this policy and any linked procedure is mandatory.

4. Statement of policy 

4.1. In this document, the term ‘civil claim’ is used to denote any claim against the chief constable, or any officer in the force, when financial compensation is sought for injury suffered as a result of an alleged act or omission; where a claim is made for the return of property; where a declaration is sought about a person's rights; an administrative decision taken by the police is challenged or compensation of some form is sought in any way. 

4.2. This policy and linked standard operating procedure (SOP) does not apply to damage suffered by vehicles as a result of police road traffic operations, or to personal injuries suffered by police officers or staff.

5. Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) 

5.1. This policy has been assessed with regard to its relevance to race and diversity equality. As a result of this assessment the policy has been graded as having a low potential impact.

6. Monitoring and review

6.1. As a Legal Department we are constantly monitoring changes in legislation and so will update the policy and SOP accordingly. The policy is next due for review in February 2026.

6.2. The SOP will be monitored by the civil claims paralegal, within Legal Services and will make the policy owner aware of any changes as and when they are required.

7. Related force policies or related procedures (Essex)/linked standard operating procedures (Kent)

None listed.

8. Security

8.1 Kent Police has measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy.

9. Retention and disposal of records

9.1 Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy.