This 2026 guide explains how to become a police station representative in England and Wales — the PSRAS accreditation route, the supervised attendances and portfolio you need, and how to pick up your first instructions once you qualify. Confirm current scheme rules with your assessment organisation and the latest Police Station Register Arrangements.
Start here
Non-solicitor police station representatives are accredited through the Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS) (SRA-authorised; assessment organisations such as Cardiff University or Datalaw). Typical components are a written / knowledge assessment, the Critical Incidents Test (CIT), and a supervised portfolio — confirm the current handbook rather than relying on second-hand summaries. While training / probationary you need a Standard Crime Contract firm to supervise you. Once fully accredited and on the Police Station Register, other SCC firms can instruct you — you still need a firm engagement; accreditation is not a licence to practise independently. A clear directory profile listing accreditation status, areas covered, and availability helps firms find cover when they need a rep.
What a police station representative does
A police station representative advises and represents suspects in custody and in voluntary interviews under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and Code C (detention, treatment, and questioning). The role sits alongside — but is distinct from — a duty solicitor. If you are weighing the two paths, read our comparison of the freelance rep versus duty solicitor route.
Representatives attend at all hours, review disclosure, advise on whether to answer questions, and protect the client’s position from the first hour of detention. It is responsible work, which is exactly why accreditation matters.
The PSRAS route, step by step
To advise clients at the police station as a non-solicitor representative you must be accredited through the Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS). The route generally involves:
- Get linked to a firm that can supervise you and provide attendances.
- Build underpinning knowledge of PACE and the Codes of Practice — especially Code C (detention and questioning) and Code D (identification).
- Sit the assessments — the knowledge element and the Critical Incidents Test.
- Complete supervised attendances and obtain portfolio sign-off from a supervising solicitor.
Because the scheme is updated from time to time, confirm the current components and the pass standard with the SRA and your assessment organisation rather than relying on second-hand figures.
The assessed knowledge element
The knowledge assessment tests core law and procedure: PACE 1984 and the Codes of Practice (especially Code C), the caution and the right to silence, detention and the custody clock, vulnerable suspects and appropriate adults, and professional conduct.
Most candidates prepare with timed multiple-choice practice so they can answer accurately under time pressure, not just recognise the law when they see it. Reviewing every practice answer against the underlying Code provision builds durable knowledge.
The Critical Incidents Test (CIT)
The CIT is a practical assessment of how you handle a realistic police-station scenario: identifying the issues, prioritising client consultation, and reaching a defensible decision on advice. It rewards structured thinking, not memorised quotes. Practising scenarios out loud — issue-spotting, then a clear decision trail — is the most effective preparation. Assessment criteria and format are set by your assessment organisation — check the current handbook.
The portfolio
Alongside the assessments you build a portfolio evidencing real, supervised attendances (typically Part A supervised cases, then Part B once probationary status is in place — confirm current case counts with your assessment organisation). This is firm-led: your supervising solicitor signs off competence against the standards. Start collecting structured attendance evidence early — good contemporaneous notes make portfolio sign-off far easier.
Practical considerations before you start
- Supervision: you cannot complete the portfolio without a firm willing to supervise and provide attendances.
- Insurance: understand your indemnity position before you take instructions — see our note on professional indemnity insurance for reps.
- Availability: out-of-hours work is the norm; be honest with yourself about the hours.
- Geography: decide which custody suites you can realistically reach.
Getting your first instructions
Once fully accredited and on the Police Station Register, freelance reps find work through firm relationships and directories. A clear profile — areas covered, availability, and accreditation status — helps firms find and instruct you.
- Register as a police station rep and complete your profile.
- List your counties and stations in the directory so firms searching under pressure can find you.
- Read our overview of building a freelance police station rep career for the longer view.
Listing in a reputable directory makes you discoverable to firms needing cover, especially out of hours when panels fail.
Cross-site training resources
For exam-focused preparation, see the partner guide on the PSRAS exam format and how to prepare. For structured attendance notes that support your portfolio, see CustodyNote.
General professional information for England and Wales. Not legal advice. Always follow your firm’s procedures, the SRA Standards and Regulations, and current assessment organisation requirements.