DSCC Registration Guide

HomeResourcesDSCC GuideComplete GuideDSCC Registration GuideEverything you need to know about the Defence Solicitor Call Centre - how it works, how duty calls are allocated, and what representatives need to know.ContentsWhat is the DSCC?How the DSCC Process WorksThe Duty Solicitor SchemeWhat Representatives Need to KnowDSCC PIN NumbersDSCC Contact InformationFrequently Asked QuestionsReferencesWhat is the DSCC?The Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC) is a 24/7 call handling service that manages all requests for legal advice at police stations in England and Wales.[1]It is operated under contract with the Legal Aid Agency.[3]When a suspect is detained and requests a solicitor, the custody officer calls the DSCC. The DSCC then either:Contacts the suspect's own solicitor (if they have named one), orContacts the duty solicitor from the local rotaThe DSCC ensures that suspects receive access to legal advice without delay, operating around the clock every day of the year.How the DSCC Process Works1Suspect Requests SolicitorCustody officer asks if suspect wants legal advice. Suspect can request their own solicitor or a duty solicitor.2Police Call DSCCCustody officer calls the DSCC with details: suspect name, offence, police station, whether own or duty solicitor requested.3DSCC Contacts SolicitorIf own solicitor, DSCC calls that firm. If duty, DSCC contacts the duty solicitor on the local rota for that time slot.4Initial Telephone AdviceSolicitor/rep provides initial telephone advice to assess whether attendance is needed (CDS Direct matters may be telephone only).5Attendance ArrangedIf attendance required, the firm dispatches a solicitor or accredited representative to the police station.The Duty Solicitor SchemeThe duty solicitor scheme operates on a rota system. Solicitors who are members of the scheme are assigned specific time slots during which they are "on duty" for their local area.According to the LAA Duty Solicitor Guidance,[1]all Duty Solicitors must either hold CLAS (Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme) or be a previous member of a Duty Scheme under a previous Contract.[2] They must also meet ongoing "Engaged" requirements:Meet professional development requirementsUndertake minimum 6 Police Station Advice and Assistance cases per rolling 12-month periodUndertake minimum court representations per rolling 12-month periodUndertake at least one Police Station Duty attendance or Duty Slot in each rolling 3-month periodWork minimum 50 hours per calendar month in Criminal Defence Work for the ProviderAccredited representatives cannot be on the duty rota directly - they work for duty solicitors and firms, attending on their behalf.What Representatives Need to KnowAs an accredited representative, you don't interact with the DSCC directly. Instead:You work for a firm that receives calls from the DSCC (or own client requests)The firm or duty solicitor decides whether to send you to attendYou may receive calls directly from the firm's out-of-hours service or duty lineSome firms use reps for all attendances; others only for certain casesBuilding relationships with multiple firms increases your work opportunitiesDSCC PIN NumbersPIN Numbers for Accredited RepresentativesAccredited representatives are assigned a DSCC PIN number when they become accredited. This PIN is used to verify your identity when dealing with custody staff and the DSCC.Keep your PIN confidential. It should never be shared publicly. You'll need to quote it when accessing the DSCC system or proving your accreditation status.DSCC Contact InformationFor Solicitors/RepsThe DSCC contact numbers are provided to registered firms and duty solicitors. If you need the number, contact your supervising firm.Legal Aid AgencyFor scheme queries:Legal Aid Agency WebsiteFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the DSCC?The Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC) is a 24/7 call handling service that manages requests for legal advice at police stations. When a suspect requests a solicitor, the police call the DSCC who then contact the appropriate duty solicitor or the suspect's own solicitor firm.How do I register with the DSCC?Individual representatives don't register directly with the DSCC. The duty solicitor scheme operates through firms with Crime Contracts. Representatives work for these firms, and the DSCC contacts the duty solicitor rota or the firm when a call comes in. Your PSRAS accreditation and PIN are registered with the Law Society, not the DSCC itself.Can I be on the duty solicitor rota as a representative?No. Only qualified solicitors who have passed the Police Station Qualification (PSQ) and are registered as duty solicitors can be on the rota. Accredited representatives work for these solicitors and firms, attending cases on their behalf.What is a DSCC PIN number?A DSCC PIN is a unique identifier assigned to accredited representatives and solicitors. It's used to verify your identity and accreditation status when dealing with the DSCC and custody staff. Keep it confidential.What happens if the duty solicitor is busy?If the duty solicitor cannot attend, they may send an accredited representative on their behalf, arrange for a colleague to cover, or (in some areas) the call may be passed to a back-up duty solicitor. The suspect should not be left without advice.Want to Work in Criminal Defence?Learn how to become an accredited representative and start working with criminal defence firms.How to Become a Rep Getting Work as a RepReferencesDuty Solicitors: Rotas, Information and Guidance - GOV.UK2025 Standard Crime Contract Specification, Part B - GOV.UKLegal Aid Agency - GOV.UKWritten by Robert Cashman, Court and Police Station Duty Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate. Revised by Robert Cashman on 28th November 2025.© PoliceStationRepUK.com. All rights reserved.