1. Advising clients about procedure and processes at the police station Flashcards
Who is responsible for opening and maintaining a custody record for each suspect who has been arrested?
Custody officer
What information is contained in a custody record?
Personal details
Offence and reason for arrest
Time of arrest and time of arrival at station
Reason for authorising suspect’s ongoing detention
Time detention was authorised
Confirmation suspect has been given details of their rights
Details of the items of property the suspect has
In what event can property on a suspect’s person be retained?
If it is evidence
If it could cause physical injury to themselves or others
If it could cause damage to property
If it could assist with escape
What should the custody officer do if there is not sufficient evidence to charge a suspect?
Release them with or without bail
What should the cell conditions be like for the suspect?
Must be adequately heated, cleaned and ventilated, and adequately lit
Bedding must be reasonable standard and in clean and sanitary condition
Must have access to toilet / washing facilities
What is the suspect entitled to in terms of food / exercise whilst being held at the station?
2 light meals and 1 main meal in any 24-hours, drinks upon reasonable request
Brief practicable outdoor exercise
Suspects visited in cell every hour
Under what circumstances can the police delay exercising a suspect’s right to legal advice?
Only for an indictable offence, for a max of 36 hours and only if it will:
- Lead to interference
- Lead to alerting of other persons suspected of having committed an offence
- Hinder recovery of any property
Under what circumstances can the police delay exercising a suspect’s right to have someone informed of their arrest?
Only for a max of 36 hours and only if it will:
- Lead to interference
- Lead to alerting of other persons suspected of having committed an offence
- Hinder recovery of any property
Which PACE Code contains the detention time limits and reviews of detention rules?
Code C
What is the maximum period of time someone can be detained on suspicion of committing a summary offence?
24 hours from arrival at police station (or from time of arrest if voluntarily attended station)
What is the maximum period of time someone can be detained on suspicion of committing an indictable/ either-way offence?
An initial 24 hours from arrival at police station (or from time of arrest if voluntarily attended station)
What police rank can extend the initial 24 hours detention for indictable offences, and for how long?
Superintendent or higher
Extra 12 hours
After 36 hours, how much longer can the police detain the suspect and how?
Warrant of further detention from magistrates court - further 36 hours
Warrant can be obtained twice
What is the maximum period someone can be detained for at the police station?
96 hours / 4 days
When must the police carry out their first detention review, to ensure that the grounds for the suspect’s detention are still applicable? What rank of officer?
6 hours after custody officer first authorised detention
Not below rank of inspector
When must the police carry out their second detention review? What rank of officer?
No later than 9 hours after first review
Not below rank of inspector
Is the defence solicitor entitled to receive copies of all relevant information when arriving at the police station?
No, just to review the documents
What information should the solicitor obtain from the custody officer upon arrival at the station?
Custody record
Any significant comments
Samples
Information from interviews
Whether client is under any form of physical or mental disability / any illness
Any significant items found