HC Deb 27 July 1981 vol 9 cc281-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether compensation for unnecessary damages by the police is paid by the police or from public funds; and, if the latter, by what machinery.

Mr. Mayhew

Under section 48 of the Police Act, the chief officer of police is liable for wrongful acts committed by constables in the performance of their duties. Any damage awarded by a court, or any settlement of a claim approved by the police authority, may be paid out of he police fund.