Scandal Ridden Police Force Settles 21 Civil Claims Against it, Costing Tax Payers Nearly £217k

'Staggering' figures likely to come as no comfort for Teesside Locals who are expected to see the Cleveland Police element of their council Tax Bills hiked in April 2025 to cover the huge legal costs...

24th December 2024

The cost of resolving civil claims made against a scandal ridden teesside police force has reportedly hit new highs, as its claimed the force shelled out an eye-watering £216,695.81 in 2023 to settle 21 civil claims made against it, a figure that has raised fresh concerns over the forces operational spending and accountability.

The details, obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, revealed the staggering bill includes damages, third-party costs, and legal fees incurred by the force's legal department. This has further fuelled criticism of Cleveland Police, which has been plagued by misconduct scandals and financial controversies for years.

A Growing Burden on Taxpayers

A source told Cleveland Police Exposed that the Civil Claims Bill for the latest financial year could be even higher due to claims submitted after the Summer 2024 riots...

The revelations have sparked concerns that the civil claims bill could soar even higher in 2024, following the August summer riots. According to a source who spoke to Cleveland Police Exposed, the number of pending claims related to the riots could significantly outstrip last year’s figure, further straining taxpayers' pockets & is likely to be shouldered by the local tax payer in the form of a hefty increase in the Cleveland Police precept element of their council tax bills issued by local councils in April next year....

In 2023, a Teesside Man received £4000 in compensation from Cleveland Police after being unlawfully detained by officers over a dispute regarding a £20 pound coin, with a video of the incident going viral online

Civil claims against police forces are not uncommon in the UK, but Cleveland Police has become a standout example of repeated, 'sometimes hefty' payouts. Allegations such as unlawful arrest, excessive force, malicious prosecution, and breaches of data protection frequently feature among claims brought against the force.

Perhaps one of the more notable incidents of a Civil Claim being settled by the force of no confidence come back in 2023 when A man, who posts on YouTube as EyeSpyAudit, was arrested by police on suspicion of 'making off without payment' after trying to pay for fuel with the authentic coin he says was issued by the Royal Mint. A Video of the incident was uploaded to Youtube showing the incident in which the man successfully sued Cleveland Police, reportedly receiving an out of court settlement of £4000 in damages, with the video going viral online.

In addition to these issues, police forces, including Cleveland, often face compensation demands for lost or damaged property, forced entries during investigations, and road traffic collisions. These recurring claims paint a troubling picture of a force still grappling with deep-seated problems.

Historical Scandals and Continuing Challenges

Cleveland Police's ongoing struggles with misconduct scandals—some of which date back decades—have compounded the financial and reputational challenges. Despite previously being placed into special measures, its claimed the force has yet to demonstrate substantial progress in curbing its operational and ethical issues.

As the 2024 figures loom on the horizon, the question remains: how much longer can taxpayers shoulder the financial burden of Cleveland Police’s failings?, with the revelations highlighting the urgent need for better oversight, reforms, and accountability within the force to restore public trust and reduce the financial toll on the community it serves.