Thetford: Police Officer Sues After Fall

1 April 2013, 08:46 | Updated: 2 April 2013, 10:50

Norfolk Police say they were 'wholly unaware' of legal action being taken by one of their officers, after a fall investigating a 999 call.

The officer's thought to have tripped on a kerb at the petrol station in Thetford last summer - and is now claiming for damages.

Norfolk Police told Heart: "We have a duty of care to any officer injured whilst on duty, to support their continued health and well-being and fitness to return to work. Officers can, in addition, receive further support from their staff association, as well as pursuing private treatment."The Constabulary was wholly unaware of this litigation which appears to be instigated privately by the individual officer."

Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: “This type of claim does not represent the approach and attitude of the overwhelming majority of our staff who understand and accept the risks inherent in policing and which they willingly confront to keep the public they serve safe. It is a disappointment that this is potentially undermined by a private compensation claim.”

South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss said ' I have met a number of Norfolk Constabulary's police officers and I know they do an excellent job. I would not want this particular case to cast a shadow over their professionalism and ability to do their work.’

Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Bett said 'Following disclosure of the circumstances of the incident which led PC Kelly Jones to seek compensation, I believe she should withdraw her legal action as soon as possible. In my mind, that would be the right thing to do and, judging from what people have been telling me, what the public would want to see.'