PCD 1302 Request for authorisation to settle a civil claim against the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

PCD 1302 Request for authorisation to settle a civil claim against the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC) is recommended to approve the settlement of a claim for damages causing personal injury. 

There is an open and exempt report as some of the information relates to data protection, is commercially sensitive and is legal professional privileged. 

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC) is asked to consider a request for authority to negotiate the settlement of civil proceedings, as set out in the part 2 report.   

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime has the discretion to authorise the settlement of a civil claim where it would be conducive to the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force. 

PART I - NON-CONFIDENTIAL FACTS AND ADVICE TO THE DMPC 

1. Introduction and background 

1. The claims, brought by members of the public, are for damages including aggravated and exemplary damages, for negligence, deceit, misfeasance and Human Rights Act breaches. This the second application. 

2. Financial Comments 

1. The cost of any settlement, if agreed, would be met from the centrally held MPS third party claims provision budget.  

3. Legal Comments 

1. MOPAC has the power to pay any sum required in connection with the settlement for any claim made against the Commissioner under Section 88 of the Police Act 1996.  

2. Pursuant to the MOPAC Scheme of Delegation dated October 2016, MOPAC must authorise settlements above £50,000.00, or those claims that are otherwise high profile or sensitive, according to the criteria set out in section 4.10 of the Scheme. 

3. There is an open and exempt report as some of the information relates to data protection, is commercially sensitive and is legal professional privileged 

4. GDPR and Data Privacy  

1. The processing of personal data has been minimised as part of this decision and is held within Part 2 of the report. 

5. Equality Comments 

1. To continue policing with the consent of the population it serves, the police will always seek to treat everyone fairly and openly.  The claims raise equality issues, namely the treatment of women by the MPS, which are being properly considered 

6. Background/supporting papers 

1. Refer to Part 2 of the report.