Protect police from lawsuits, says Met chief
source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/oct/10/metropolitan-police-sir-paul-stephenson
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- Mcellie
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With budget cuts looming the Met chief has laid out some ideas where money could be saved at the police force. However, the idea to cut back on lawyer costs was criticised by human rights and civil liberties groups, since the proposal would make it more difficult for claims to be taken against police officers.
"• Making it harder for people to sue the police for damages in civil actions. These usually involve allegations of brutality or wrongful arrest.
• Loading higher costs on to officers and other staff suing police forces at employment tribunals. These cases include claims of discrimination and unfair treatment.
• Charging the public a fee for freedom of information requests. The Freedom of Information Act is supposed to help citizens hold public bodies to account."-Guardian
The main criticism states the tougher it is to sue officers the higher the risk for abuses of power committed by officers, which is why the safeguards are in place.
"• Making it harder for people to sue the police for damages in civil actions. These usually involve allegations of brutality or wrongful arrest.
• Loading higher costs on to officers and other staff suing police forces at employment tribunals. These cases include claims of discrimination and unfair treatment.
• Charging the public a fee for freedom of information requests. The Freedom of Information Act is supposed to help citizens hold public bodies to account."-Guardian
The main criticism states the tougher it is to sue officers the higher the risk for abuses of power committed by officers, which is why the safeguards are in place.
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