Preliminaries to prosecution Flashcards
What are police officers required to demonstrate for detention without charge?
Legal authority to exercise power
Power exercised lawfully
When might a person not be taken to police station straight away?
Presence at other place is necessary to carry out investigations eg
* Being searched
* Being taken to premises to be searched
* Being taken to a place to check their alibi
What happens at the police station?
- D sees custody officer
- informed of rights
- Non-intimate samples
- healthcare
- speak to solicitor
- Interview
What happens after police interview?
o Release under investigation/police bail
o Charged + released under bail, appear at MC later date
o Charged + remanded into custody, appear at MC next day
Who authorises detention of an arrested person?
Custody officer
What are the role/requirements of being a custody officer?
- Handling and welfare of suspects in detention
- At least sergeant
- Unrelated to investigation
When will a custody officer think there are grounds for detention but not sufficient evidence to charge?
- Secure/preserve evidence
- Obtain evidence by questioning
If there are grounds to detain, what does a custody officer do?
- Authorise detention
- Open custody record
- Inform D of reason for arrest and detention
- Advise D of rights
What are the additional duties of a custody officer?
- Risk assessment
- Special arrangements
- Interpreters
- D’s Property
- Contacting healthcare professionals
What will the custody record include?
Requirement to inform of reason
Circumstances of arrest
Why arrest necessary
Comments made by D
Where can a solicitor find details of everything that has happened to/said/done by the detainee?
Custody record
When do reviews of detention need to happen and who by?
At least inspector, unrelated to investigation, not CO.
First review - < 6 hours after authorised by CO, every 9 hours after
What is the time limit for detention?
24 hours from relevant time (usually arrives at station)
What does s42 PACE say about the limit for detention being extended?
- Authorisation before expiry, after second review
- Grounds explained to D and noted in custody record
- Suspect/solicitor allowed to make representations
What is the criteria for a detention extension?
- At least superintendent authorised
- Reasonable grounds it’s necessary for evidence/questioning
- Indictable offence
- Investigation conducted diligently and expeditiously
How can detention be extended beyong 36 hours?
Apply to magistrates court
36 hrs first application, 36 hrs second (96 hrs max)
* MC satisfied reasonable grounds for evidence/questioning
* Indictable
* Investigation conducted diligently and expeditiously
What rights must be stated during custody?
- Consult privately with solicitor/free independent legal advice available
- Someone informed of arrest
- Consult COP
- Appropriate adult/interpreter
When must a suspect be told of their right to a solicitor/free advice?
before:
* Commencement/recommencement of interview
* Being asked for intimate samples
* Intimate drug search
* Identification parade/Video ID procedure
How long can the right to consult a solicitor/have someone informed be delayed for?
36 hours max
What is the criteria for delaying the right to consult with solicitor?
Indictable offence
In writing, at least superintendent
Reasonable grounds exercising right will lead to:
* Interfering with evidence
* Interfering/harm to others
* Alerting other suspects not yet arrested
* Hinder recovery of property
What is the criteria for delaying the right to inform someone?
Indictable offence
In writing, At least inspector
Reasonable grounds lead to:
* Interfering with evidence
* Interfering/harm to others
* Alerting other suspects not yet arrested
* Hinder recovery of property
Who has the right to an appropriate adult?
Any minor or:
* Mentally disordered/vulnerable
* Officer told in good faith they are mentally disordered/vulnerable
Who can act as an appropriate adult for a minor?
- Parent/guardian
- Care authority/social worker
- Any 18+ not police
Who can act as an appropriate adult for a mentally disordered person?
- Parent/guardian
- Relative
- Experienced person
Who can’t act as an appropriate adult?
- Solicitor
- Suspect
- Victim/witness
- Involved in investigation
- Rec’d admissions
- Low IQ
- Estranged parent if objected
What is the role of an appropriate adult?
- Ensure D understands what and why
- Support/advise/ assistance
- Observe police/intervene
- Ensure D understands rights
- Can request solicitor