How Police Station Representation Works

HomeResourcesBeginner's GuideBeginner's GuideHow Police Station Representation WorksA complete introduction to police station representation in England and Wales. Perfect for those new to criminal defence or considering a career as a rep.The Fundamentals: Your Rights in CustodyThe police station advice system in England and Wales is governed by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). The most critical part for representatives is PACE Code C, which sets out the requirements for the detention, treatment, and questioning of suspects.Every person arrested and held in custody has three fundamental rights:The right to have someone informed of their arrest (Section 56).The right to consult a solicitor privately and free of charge (Section 58).The right to consult the Codes of Practice.Crucially, legal advice at the police station is free for everyone, regardless of their income or wealth. It is funded by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) to ensure fair justice [3].The Lifecycle of a Case: Step-by-Step1. Arrest & ArrivalThe suspect is arrested and brought to the custody suite. The Custody Sergeant authorizes detention and opens a custody record. The suspect is asked if they want legal advice.If they say yes, the police contact the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC), who then contacts the relevant firm.2. Disclosure (The Rep Arrives)The legal representative arrives and speaks to the investigating officer first. This is called "disclosure".The police must provide sufficient information to allow you to advise your client properly. You act as a detective here, trying to find out what evidence they actually have.3. ConsultationYou speak to your client in private. This conversation is legally privileged – the police cannot listen in.You take their instructions (their side of the story), explain the law, and advise them on their options for the interview.4. The Police InterviewThe core of the job. You sit next to your client in the interview room while they are questioned under caution.Your role is to protect their legal rights, intervene if questioning is improper, and ensure they stick to the advised strategy (e.g., remaining silent).5. Outcome & DecisionAfter the interview, the police usually consult a senior officer or CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) to decide the outcome.The client may be Charged (sent to court), Released Under Investigation (RUI), Bailed to return later, or face No Further Action (NFA).Key Legal Concepts for BeginnersThe Caution"You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence."This is the most important warning in criminal law. It means the suspect has a right to silence ("no comment"), but if they stay silent now and come up with a defence later in court, the jury might not believe them ("adverse inference").Legal PrivilegeAnything the client tells you in private consultation is strictly confidential. You cannot tell the police what your client told you without their permission.However, you cannot mislead the court or police. If your client admits guilt to you but wants to lie in interview, you must withdraw from the case (professional embarrassment) or advise them to say "no comment". You cannot let them tell a lie on tape.Key PlayersDuty SolicitorsFully qualified solicitors on the national duty scheme. They can attend police stations and represent clients in court. Must hold a valid duty solicitor accreditation and firm with LAA contract.Accredited RepresentativesQualified through PSRAS accreditation. Work under solicitor supervision. Can attend police stations and advise clients but cannot represent in court.Criminal Defence FirmsSolicitor firms with Legal Aid Agency contracts. They receive duty calls and own-client requests, then deploy solicitors or representatives.DSCCThe Defence Solicitor Call Centre coordinates duty solicitor requests, matching detained persons with available legal advisers 24/7.Legal Aid FundingPolice station advice is funded by Legal Aid. Unlike other areas of law, there is no means test for advice at the police station – it's free for everyone regardless of income.The Legal Aid Agency pays solicitor firms a fixed fee for each police station attendance. The firm then pays its employed staff or freelance representatives from this fee.Want to Learn More?What Does a Rep Do?Detailed breakdown of rep responsibilitiesHow to Become a RepComplete PSRAS accreditation guideDuty Solicitor vs RepUnderstanding the differencesRep Pay RatesWhat representatives earnFind a RepresentativeRegister as Rep References & Official Sources[1]Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)Primary legislation governing police powers and suspect rights in England and Wales.[2]PACE Code C (2019)Code of Practice for the detention, treatment and questioning of persons by police officers.[3]Legal Aid Agency Standard Crime Contract 2025Contractual framework governing legal aid provision and representative requirements.[4]The Law Society - Practice NoteGuidance on police station attendance and advice.Written by Robert Cashman, Duty Solicitor. Revised by Robert Cashman on 28th November 2025.