Can the Police be prosecuted for unwarranted involvement in CIVIL matters?

[terry178]

Sorry for the short question with no context, but there isn't much to give at this point.

I just seem to recall visiting this forum a few weeks ago and I am sure i read somewhere that a Police Officer can be prosecuted for involving himself in a civil matter where his involvement is not necessary.

When I saw it I scribbled a note on my desk which just says "S26) Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015" - but that section doesn't read to me like it makes it a prosecutable offence.

If anyone knows the yes/no answer to the question I would be very grateful!

Thanks

[YorkshireMan]

Difficult to say without any context at all.

Couple of examples from each end of the scale:

1. Possible criminal misconduct, which the complainant decides to pursue through a civil action (reasons could be lack of evidence which favours a civil action with its lower burden of proof, wanting to keep control of the outcome, compensation being more useful than punishment etc. etc. ). If the Police become aware of the criminal misconduct and decide to investigate, the complainant may well view that as unwarranted and unnecessary involvement. But it doesn't seem likely the complainant would have any remedy.

2. The Police officer knows there is no suggestion/claim of criminal misconduct in connection with the civil matter but mis-uses his Police position and powers to THREATEN involvement/investigation in order to pressure one side into settling the case (perhaps in favour of a friend or family member involved in the civil claim). This would potentially be a corrupt or other improper exercise of police powers - and is prosecutable.

[terry178]

Excellent reply thank you.
The second example is pretty close in terms of context, thanks again