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Police services solicitors

Police services solicitors

Public Sector Law

Specialist legal advice for police services

Police law is complex, challenging and broad in its subject matter. The individuals within the police service are often required to make difficult, high profile, operational decisions which later can become the subject of public scrutiny and legal challenge.

We have specialist police law solicitors who act on behalf of the police services and provide legal support and advice to Police Forces and Police and Crime Commissioners. Our commitment to the sector is such that we have a wide range of legal expertise advising and defending the police service both in and out of Court.

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Our police law expertise

We have a broad range of police law expertise including:


Civil actions

We are experienced in defending claims before Judge and Jury where allegations of unlawful arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, assault and battery, breach of PACE 1984 and the Human Rights Act 1998 are raised.


Discipline

We assist Professional Standards Departments with the discipline of officers where allegations of gross misconduct are made.

We have conducted numerous misconduct hearings involving both junior and senior officers.

We help with the drafting of Regulation Notices supporting misconduct allegations and advise upon disclosure and the obtaining of evidence for use at misconduct hearings.


Judicial Review

We advise upon Judicial Review applications whether that be pursued on behalf of or against Chief Constables.  We have acted for the police service in the Administrative Court where challenge is sought to the decision making process.


Inquests

We have acted in, and advised upon, inquests arising from the deaths in custody of detained persons and following contact with police.


Employment

We advise on all aspects of the employment relationship whether that be in relation to Police Officers or support staff. We are familiar with nationally negotiated terms and conditions of employment and have advised on and represented our Police Service clients in the Employment Tribunal in relation to complaints of unfair dismissal, whistle blowing and discrimination.


Public protection

We have assisted in the drafting of applications seeking Sexual Offences Prevention Orders, advised upon the evidence required to support such applications and the extent of any restrictions to be imposed upon those who are to be the subject of such an order.

We have presented applications for the continued detention of money under the Proceeds of Crime Act.


Health & safety

We advise upon and defend claims where allegations relating to breach of health and safety regulations are made.

We have also defended prosecutions brought by the HSE for breach of regulations and have represented senior management of organisations when attending PACE style interviews with the HSE.

We have advised upon corporate manslaughter issues where death has arisen through apparent breach of health and safety regulations.


Some examples of our expertise:

  • Acting as Legal Advisor to CC Brian Moore in his investigation into the conduct of the Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police into the allegations of child abuse at the former children's home, Haute De La Garenne.
  • Seeking Judicial Review of a decision by the Police Appeals Tribunal requiring re instatement of a police officer.
  • Advising upon the successful application to the High Court requiring HM Coroner for Exeter and Greater Devon to hold a second inquest into the death of Rachel Whittear.

Why choose us?

Working closely with the police service, we have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the environment in which you operate and can provide immediate support and legal advice to meet those needs, wherever and whenever required.


For specialist legal advice and support, please contact Allison Cook on 0117 314 5466.

VWV provide an efficient and reliable service. The employment law advice provided is written in concise and understandable language.

  • Ruth Simmons - Assistant Chief Officer
  • North Wales Fire & Rescue Service

Get in touch

Are you looking for legal services? Please complete the form below to find out how our specialist lawyers can support you.
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Meet the Team

Our specialist lawyers have extensive expertise advising the full range of police, fire & rescue, ambulance and NHS service providers where we act for 10 authorities nationally.

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Allison Cook - Head of Public Sector at VWV Law Firm
Partner

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