The force is being investigated over a series of claims for ‘malfeasance’ which includes accusations of wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, assault, malicious prosecution and interference with property, among other things.
The compensation payouts are expected to reach £220,000, while legal costs amounting to almost £40,000.
In addition, employer liability was being looked into, with personal injury caused by negligence and industrial accidents high on the list of wrongdoings. If proved, this could cost the force another £158,000 in compensation pay outs and £81,000 worth of legal fees.
Since April last year, 118 malfeasance claims were made against the Yorkshire Police, which equated to £6,753 in payouts.
When such claims are being investigated, the force will often use private solicitors who specialise in personal injury, or other specific areas of law. For this reason, legal costs can be high.
MP Phil Willis says that the prediction of such large costs is not something to be worried about:
“I don't find these figures unusual because the force always has to take the worst-case scenario - in terms of accounting practices they are not allowed to do anything other than that.”
Despite the seemingly high number of personal injury and compensation claims made against the Yorkshire police force, no police officers were suspended or fired during the 2007/2008 period.
Mr Willis says that the investigation of such claims is necessary to keep the police force on their toes and “to ensure North Yorkshire Police is one of the best-quality forces in the land.”
Carys is an author of several articles pertaining to No Win No Fee, Compensation Claims, Personal Injury Claims and other legal articles.
