1. Advising Clients, including Vulnerable Clients, about the Procedure at Processes and the Police Station Flashcards
What is an indictable offence?
An offence that warrants a trial by jury.
What are the ranks of police in order?
Superintendent, Inspector, Sergeant.
What powers does a Superintendent have?
Authorise continued detention, delay access to legal advice.
What powers does an Inspector have?
Delay right to contact a friend or relative, review detention, conduct identification procedures.
What powers does a Sergeant have?
Authorise detention, supervise welfare, open up custody record, give suspect their rights, authorise search, determine whether to charge/release on bail/keep in custody.
What is the general rule for dealing with suspects at the police station?
Deal with them expeditiously and release them as soon as the need for detention no longer applies.
What is the role of a Custody Officer?
Ensure a suspect’s legal rights are complied with and their welfare.
What are the responsibilities of a Custody Officer?
Decide whether there is sufficient evidence to charge the detainee, authorise detention, inform the detainee of their rights.
What is a Custody Record?
A record of everything that has happened and been said to the detainee, which the solicitor has the right to consult.
What are the steps that must happen upon arrival at the police station?
Suspect brought before the custody officer, custody record opened, suspect informed of their rights, custody officer determines if there is sufficient evidence to charge, authorise search of suspect.
Is there a requirement to contact an Appropriate Adult if the suspect is over 18?
No.
What is bail?
Granted when there is not sufficient evidence to charge a suspect immediately.
What are the grounds for detention?
Sufficient evidence to charge and risk of absconding, interfering with witnesses, or committing further offences.
What is the maximum initial detention period without charge?
24 hours.
detention clock begins to run from the time a person is arrested if they have arrived at the police station as a volunteer
What is the maximum detention period with authorization from a Superintendent?
36 hours.
What is the maximum detention period with authorization from a Magistrate?
96 hours.
What is the purpose of a police interview?
To gather evidence and information from the suspect.
What is the caution?
A statement read to the suspect before the interview, informing them of their right to remain silent and that anything they say may be used against them in court.
What is the role of the solicitor during a police interview?
To advise the suspect on their legal rights and provide assistance during the interview.
What is the purpose of conducting identification procedures?
To establish if the suspect can be identified by witnesses or victims of the crime.
Why is detaining a suspect necessary?
Preservation of evidence or obtaining evidence by questioning.
What are the conditions of detention?
Adequate heating, cleaning, ventilation, lighting, bedding, sanitary facilities, meals, and regular visits.
What must the custody officer do if the suspect is injured or needs medical attention?
Make arrangements for medical care.
What is the right to legal advice?
The right to receive free legal advice at the police station.
What is the maximum delay for legal advice?
36 hours, approved by a Superintendent, with reasonable grounds.
What is the right to have someone informed?
The right to have someone informed of the arrest as soon as reasonably practicable.
What is the maximum delay for informing someone?
36 hours, approved by an Inspector, with reasonable grounds.
What are the reasonable grounds for delaying access to legal advice or informing someone?
Indictable/either way offense, interference with evidence, physical injury, alerting other suspects, hindering property recovery.
What duty do the police have when exercising powers to delay?
To act proportionately and ensure the delay is no longer than necessary.
What can the suspect consult during detention?
Codes of practice.
Who can authorize the delay of access to legal advice?
An officer not below the rank of superintendent.
Who is responsible for the detention review?
Review Officer, minimum rank of Inspector.
inspector : Whilst a suspect can change her mind about wanting legal advice , this must be authorised in writing by an officer not below the rank of inspector
What is the maximum period of detention?
24 hours from arrival at the police station.
Custody Clock: Starts when the suspect arrives at the police station (10:15 hrs on Tuesday), not from the time of arrest or detention authorization.
Maximum Detention Period: For a summary-only offence (like common assault), the maximum detention before charge is 24 hours from arrival at the station, meaning detention can last only until 10:15 hrs on Wednesday.
Review Clock: Although initial review timings (e.g., by an inspector) are mentioned, they are distinct from the maximum detention time being asked for here.
Thus, the correct answer would identify that the custody clock’s maximum period of detention is 24 hours from the time of arrival at the station.
What is the relevant time for detention?
From arrival at the police station, marked in the custody record.
Detention Reviews
Initial after 6 hours, subsequent every 9 hours
RUI
Release of suspect under investigation
Extension
Up to 36 hours, approved by Superintendent or Magistrate’s Court
Grounds
Detention necessary to secure, preserve, or obtain evidence
Need >36hrs
Investigating Officer applies to Magistrates’ Court for warrant of further detention
Magistrates’ consideration
Must consider the application to be ‘justified’
Volunteers
No obligation to attend, can leave at any time, can have a friend or solicitor present
Time Limits - Detention Review/Extension/Release
Within 6 hours from detention being authorised
Detention Review
Review by an officer not below the rank of inspector to determine if detention is still necessary
Time Limits - Detention Review/Extension/Release
Within 9 hours from the first detention review
Detention Review
Review by an officer not below the rank of inspector to determine if detention is still necessary, thereafter at 9 hour intervals
Time Limits - Detention Review/Extension/Release
Within 24 hours from arrival
Release or charge
Suspect must be charged or released unless authorized by a superintendent to continue detention
Time Limits - Detention Review/Extension/Release
Within 36 hours from arrival
Release or charge
Suspect must be charged or released unless granted a warrant of further detention by a magistrates’ court
Time Limits - Detention Review/Extension/Release
Within 72 hours from arrival
Release or charge
Suspect must be charged or released unless granted an extension to the warrant of further detention by a magistrates’ court
Time Limits - Detention Review/Extension/Release
Within 96 hours from arrival
Release or charge
Suspect must be charged or released
Role of Solicitor/Advice to Client
Provide legal advice and support to the client
Role of Solicitor
Protect and advance legal rights of client
Duty of Solicitor
Look out for client’s best interests
Conduct of Solicitor
Be respectful, do not obstruct interview, raise PACE breaches later
Can a guilty client still act?
Yes, but cannot advance a positive defense
When should a solicitor cease to act?
If in conflict with duty to not mislead the court
Who is the custody officer?
Supplies basic info about client’s detention
What can a solicitor request from the custody officer?
Copy of custody record when detainee leaves police detention or is taken before a court
before this u u have an entitlement to inspect the custody report
Who is the investigating officer?
Officer dealing with the case
What can a solicitor obtain from the investigating officer?
Disclosure of facts and evidence supporting the case
What can a solicitor do if the officer refuses to provide disclosure?
Point out that they cannot properly advise the client without it
Can an investigating officer decide not to disclose evidence?
Yes, if it might prejudice the criminal investigation
What other information can a solicitor obtain from the investigating officer?
Significant statements made by the client, next steps in the investigation, views on bail
What information should the solicitor be provided with?
Sufficient information to understand the nature of the offense and why the client is suspected of committing it
Are the police obligated to provide evidence to the solicitor?
No
What is the role of the client?
To provide free, independent legal advice and have no connection with the police
What is the role of a solicitor in a criminal case?
To provide legal advice and representation to the client.
What information must remain confidential in a solicitor-client relationship?
All information shared between the solicitor and client.
What are the details of the alleged offence?
Specific information about the crime that the client is accused of.
What should the solicitor do to obtain information about the offence?
Speak to the investigating officer to gather details.
What should the solicitor advise the client regarding the substantive law?
Explain what the police need to prove for a conviction.
What should the solicitor do to obtain the client’s version of events?
Take detailed instructions from the client.
What should the solicitor do during the client interview?
Record instructions and advice given on essential issues.
What is the next step in the police investigation?
An audibly recorded interview with the client.
How should the solicitor prepare the client for the interview?
Advise on whether to answer questions or give a ‘no comment’ interview.
What should the solicitor do if the client chooses a ‘no comment’ interview?
Prepare a written statement on the client’s behalf.
What should the solicitor advise the client about the interview?
Inform them that the interview will be conducted by the police.
What is the role of a solicitor in the interview?
To provide legal advice and guidance to the client.
What is the purpose of the client interview from the police’s perspective?
To obtain admissions or contradictions from the suspect.
What should the solicitor do in terms of advising the client?
Make a note of the advice given and the reasons behind it.
What are the four options a client has during the interview?
Answer all questions, answer some questions, answer no questions, or give a ‘no comment’ interview.
What are the advantages of answering all questions?
Putting the client’s version of events on record, potential case dismissal, credibility boost at trial, no adverse inferences by the jury.
What are the advantages of admitting guilt?
Possibility of receiving a caution or reduced sentence.
What are the disadvantages of answering all questions?
Risk of saying something incriminating or undermining credibility.
What are the disadvantages of admitting guilt?
Acceptance of criminal record and potential consequences at trial.
What can happen if admissions are contradictory or implausible?
Damage credibility in the eyes of the jury or magistrates.
Why might the police hold back a piece of information?
To catch the suspect off-guard.
What can the CPS do to attack another person’s character?
Raise previous convictions at trial.
What are the advantages of giving a ‘no comment’ interview?
Avoid self-incrimination and performing badly when questioned.
What is a potential disadvantage of giving a ‘no comment’ interview?
Jury may draw adverse inferences from the client’s silence.
When might it be advisable to give a ‘no comment’ interview?
When the client admits guilt but police do not have enough evidence yet.
When might it be advisable to give a ‘no comment’ interview?
When you consider the police may ambush the client.
When might it be advisable to give a ‘no comment’ interview?
When the client denies involvement in the offense and there is not enough evidence.
When might it be advisable to give a ‘no comment’ interview?
When the client is mentally or physically unfit to be interviewed.
When might it be advisable to give a ‘no comment’ interview?
When the client is likely to perform badly at the interview.
When might it be advisable to give a ‘no comment’ interview?
When the facts of the case are complex or relate to matters of a long time ago.
When might it be advisable to give a ‘no comment’ interview?
When the client does not have a viable case or defense.
When might it be advisable to give a ‘no comment’ interview?
When the client has personal reasons for remaining silent.
What are the disadvantages of selective silence?
Drawing of adverse inferences and looking bad in the eyes of a jury.
What is a written statement in the context of an interview?
A statement that sets out the facts the client will rely upon in their defense at trial.
When should a client’s version of events be recorded?
To avoid adverse inference at trial or if client may perform badly at interview.