Weightmans are dedicated to equipping police forces with comprehensive legal advice, practical tools and strategic guidance in the implementation of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs). Our team supported a pilot police force with the introduction of DAPOs in England and Wales as it executed training programmes, changed policy and procedure and secured DAPOs in court. This level of involvement gives us a unique understanding to support frontline officers and senior leaders as they navigate the responsibilities and operational considerations of the new DAPO regime, ensuring the swift and effective protection of vulnerable individuals.
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) are designed to provide robust, unified legal protection to those at risk of domestic abuse. For police forces, DAPOs streamline protective measures, replacing existing orders and enabling more agile, accessible intervention to safeguard victims and disrupt abusive behaviours.
Specialist Legal Advice: Practical, up-to-date guidance on the powers and duties of the police under the DAPO framework, including evidential requirements and procedures for urgent action.
Application & Preparation: Assistance in preparing and presenting DAPO applications, ensuring all statutory and evidential criteria are met.
Court Representation: Expert representation and advocacy in DAPO applications.
Training & Capacity Building: Tailored workshops and seminars to upskill officers and staff, covering DAPO legislation, case studies, and best practices for effective implementation.
Aftercare & Enforcement: Ongoing advice following the granting of a DAPO, with proactive support for enforcement, breach management, and reporting obligations.
To support organisations preparing for the implementation of DAPOs, Weightmans has available a number of products to assist such as training and drafting assistance, developed to help frontline officers by improving consistency and managing risk.
Accolades
Weightmans have a depth of experience, coupled with litigation know-how that is second to none. They have lawyers who not only know the law but have a sixth sense.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
Weightmans are the forerunners and the solicitors of choice for a number of police forces across the country.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
Across the board, Weightmans' extensive knowledge of the law is evident. Combined with early strategy setting, you know you are in safe hands.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
Weightmans has a very large number of extremely experienced, committed and highly competent solicitors.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
Sector Expertise: Extensive experience advising police forces on complex safeguarding and civil protection orders.
Responsive Service: Rapid and accessible support for urgent matters—available when you need us, online or onsite.
Collaborative Approach: We work alongside operational teams to develop practical solutions tailored to force priorities and local contexts.
Clear Guidance: Advice delivered in plain English, with action-focused recommendations and resources for all levels of policing.
About Chris:
Chris is a Partner in our police team based in Liverpool. Chris has over 15 years' experience in this area and regularly acts for forces, police authorities and public sector organisations the length of the country on a wide range of matters.
About Victoria:
Victoria has handled police law matters for a number of years and has previously worked in-house for a West Country Constabulary.About Holly:
Holly Springett is an Associate in the Regulatory Police Core team at Weightmans. She specialises in civil protective orders and is a confident and experienced advocate, regularly representing clients in court.