Home Affairs CommitteeWritten evidence submitted by the Home Office [LSP 19c]

LETTER FROM RT HON THERESA MAY MP, HOME SECRETARY, TO THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE, 17 APRIL 2013

Thank you for your letter of 2 April about private compensation claims by police officers against members of the public.

I understand the strength of concern generated by recent reporting about a serving police officer making a civil claim against a member of the public.

Police and other emergency service personnel put themselves at risk every day to protect the public, which deserves our respect and recognition. Where police officers have been affected by an injury on duty there are a number of ways in which officers can access appropriate financial support, whether through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority or through specific provision for police officers in cases of serious and permanent injury. I am also aware that, similar to other professions, a number of private insurance arrangements are available to officers. am satisfied that there are sufficient avenues available to police officers should they need to access financial support for an injury suffered on duty.

That is why I am disappointed that an officer would decide to take civil action against a member of the public and am confident this is not representative of the vast majority of police officers, who accept that risk is a part of their job. No member of the public who calls the police in good faith should fear being sued for compensation.

The Home Office does not collect or hold any information on compensation claims made by police officers and there is currently no national guidance on this matter. I have instructed officials to look into this issue further, and we will consider what further action might be appropriate when the extent of the problem is clearer.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this case in the circumstances. However, I hope that this reassures you that I take seriously the concerns raised by this matter and I will take action if necessary to ensure that the public can have confidence in the police.

Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Home Secretary

April 2013