Police Misconduct

Background

After a domestic burglary emergency call, a police dog handler attends but his dog attacks the homeowner instead of the burglar, prompting a negligence claim for injury and distress.

Outcome

What the victim really wants – recognition, an apology, and an undertaking to change training and operating procedures – are unavailable in court, but are agreed at mediation, in addition to damages. Additionally, the police avoid the negative publicity of a public trial, and the victim avoids reliving the incident in the witness box.