The four police forces in Wales paid out £289,305 for wrongful arrests and personal injury claims during the financial year 2008-09, according to a report by WalesOnline.co.uk.

The largest police force in Wales – South Wales Police – paid out £163,922 for its civil claims in the year 2008-09.

Assistant Chief Constable Cliff Filer said:

‘The force’s decision to pay out does not necessarily equate to any acceptance of liability. As a publicly-funded organisation, we must always be mindful of the cost of cases and the uncertain outcomes of cases heard in court.

‘On occasions, in accordance with legal advice, South Wales Police will settle claims without any admission of liability. We believe that this is a responsible approach to take in relation to spending public money and often this is the most appropriate course of action to take.’

North Wales Police admitted it paid out two large claims for £25,000 each, although did not reveal any details about the claims. The force also has 71 cases in process – the highest number among the four Welsh police forces – although no details of these were given.

Gwent Police reduced the number of claims for the year 2008-09 and paid out a total of £6,108.43, compared with £46,681.68 in 2007-08. The 2008-09 sum includes 18 payments of less than £1,000, with the smallest amount paid out for a claim being £10. There were also 24 claims settled with no payment being made, but 44 claims are still outstanding.

Dyfed Powys Police paid out £28,450 in 2008-09 – an increase of £3,108 on 2007-08 figures, when four claims were settled.

© 5r1 Limited

Free Injury Compensation Claims Advice

If you, or somebody you know has been injured in an accident or by medical negligence the victim could be entitled to make either a personal injury compensation claim or a medical negligence compensation claim. By contacting 5r1 Claims, you will speak to a compensation claims advisor and  receive free injury claims advice. 5r1 Claims will also provide a free accident claim  or medical negligence claim assessment . After the free claim assement & free medical claim assessment, you will be under no obligation to continue with our service.

Freephone: 0808 222 0101 (lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

_____ _____