Section 31: Liability of special police forces and law enforcement agencies for unlawful conduct of SOCA staff
120.This section establishes special police forces’ and law enforcement agencies’ liability in respect of any unlawful conduct by a member of SOCA’s staff who is provided for its assistance under section 23, 24 or 25. Subsection (1) provides that the relevant authority will be liable for unlawful conduct committed by persons defined in subsection (4) in the carrying out (or purported carrying out) of their functions whilst assisting SOCA.
121.Subsection (2) provides that the relevant authority will be a joint tortfeasor where such unlawful conduct is a tort.
122.Subsection (3) confers on the relevant authority a power to make discretionary payments in respect of damages and costs arising out of unlawful conduct by a member of SOCA’s staff who has been provided for their assistance.
123.Subsection (5) defines the relevant authorities to which this section applies.