Community Forum for Police Station Representatives
Advice, peer chat and networking for the criminal defence community — especially if you are not yet fully accredited.
Not fully qualified yet?
Not fully qualified yet, or looking for general advice and peer chat? Join the community forum — our Facebook group is the right place for trainees and questions. The WhatsApp group and reps directory are for fully accredited professionals only — proof is required and checks are undertaken before you are added. If you are not fully accredited, instructing firms cannot claim legal aid for your police station attendance and you will not be paid for that work. Do not join the WhatsApp group or list in the directory expecting paid cover requests.
Posting jobs on Facebook? Read this first
The Facebook group is open to everyone — we do not verify members or check accreditation. If you post a job or cover request there, you are strongly advised to confirm that anyone who accepts is fully accredited before instructing them. Non-accredited attendance cannot be billed under legal aid and you will not be paid for it. The WhatsApp group is different: members are verified and continually checked before and after joining.
Who should use which channel?
Community forum & Facebook
Trainees, those working towards accreditation, and anyone wanting general advice or peer chat.
Not fully qualified yet, or looking for general advice and peer chat? Join the community forum — our Facebook group is the right place for trainees and questions.
WhatsApp group
Fully accredited police station reps and verified criminal defence firms/solicitors only.
Fully accredited police station reps only (PSRAS, LCCSA, CLSA or equivalent). You must be fully qualified — not in training or probationary-only. We ask for proof of accreditation and may verify against the Police Station Register or your supervising firm. Requests without adequate proof are declined. If you are not fully accredited, instructing firms cannot claim legal aid for your police station attendance and you will not be paid for that work. Do not join the WhatsApp group or list in the directory expecting paid cover requests.
Reps directory
Fully accredited reps, duty solicitors and solicitors with verifiable credentials.
The same rule applies to the reps directory — do not register or add your details unless you are fully accredited. Probationary representatives, trainees and unaccredited applicants are not eligible.
Facebook group — advice & chat
Our Facebook group is the main open community space for reps, trainees, solicitors, and criminal defence professionals. Share articles, ask questions, discuss industry news, and connect with colleagues.
Open to all professionals in the criminal defence sector — including those working towards accreditation. No accreditation checks are made — see the warning above if you post cover requests here.
Join the Facebook Group →WhatsApp — professional group only
The PoliceStationRepUK WhatsApp group is for fully accredited reps and verified criminal defence firms — cover requests and paid work. Proof of accreditation is required; unverified requests are declined.
If you are not fully accredited, instructing firms cannot claim legal aid for your police station attendance and you will not be paid for that work. Do not join the WhatsApp group or list in the directory expecting paid cover requests.
WhatsApp join guide →Need help joining?
There is no separate sign-up on this website — the Facebook group is where open community chat happens. WhatsApp is verified separately.
- Facebook group: log into Facebook first, then use the join button on the group page. If the group is private, wait for a Facebook admin to approve you — we cannot approve Facebook memberships from this site.
- Not fully accredited? use the Facebook group above for advice — do not apply for WhatsApp until you are fully qualified.
- WhatsApp invite not received? see the WhatsApp join guide and email robertcashman@defencelegalservices.co.uk with proof of full accreditation.
- Directory or website issue? Help & FAQ, Contact, or email support.
What the community offers
Urgent Cover Requests
Verified firms post cover requests in the WhatsApp group. Accredited reps respond in real time.
Peer Support & Advice
Discuss complex cases (anonymised), share strategies, and get guidance — open forum on Facebook for trainees.
Legal Updates & News
Stay informed with the latest changes to PACE, legal aid rates, sentencing guidelines, and criminal justice policy.
Career Development
Share tips on building your freelance practice, marketing yourself to firms, and advancing your career in criminal defence.
Networking
Connect with reps and solicitors across the country. Build professional relationships that lead to regular work.
Forms & Resources
Members share useful templates, checklists, and practical resources for police station attendance work.
Fully accredited and ready to list?
If you're a fully accredited police station representative, register on our directory — free and verified. Do not register unless you meet the eligibility criteria.
Register as rep →