Getting Started as a Police Station Representative

Who this guide is for

Career changers, paralegals, and law graduates exploring PSRAS before committing to the full solicitor route. If you are already enrolled, use this as a checklist against the detailed PSRAS guide.

Your path into the role

1. Step 1

   Learn what the role involves

   Custody attendances, disclosure, interview, attendance notes.

2. Step 2

   Read the custody lifecycle

   PACE rights, DSCC, disclosure, interview, outcomes.

3. Step 3

   Secure an SCC firm and supervisor

   You cannot enrol or attend without firm sponsorship.

4. Step 4

   Pass the written exam

   First PSRAS stage — or prove LAA exemption.

5. Step 5

   Build your portfolio

   Nine case studies — Part A then Part B.

6. Step 6

   Prepare for the CIT

   Final role-play assessment.

7. Step 7

   Follow the full PSRAS route

   Timelines, costs, and FAQs.

8. Step 8

   Find work after accreditation

   Rota cover, directories, networking, reliability.

Step 1 — Understand the job

Before approaching firms, read what a rep actually does and the custody lifecycle. Police station work is regulated, unsocial, and legally demanding — not a casual side role.

Step 2 — Find a supervising firm

You cannot enrol or attend without a Standard Crime Contract firm willing to supervise you. See find a supervising solicitor for how to approach firms and what they expect.

Step 3 — PSRAS accreditation

Written test → probationary register → portfolio → CIT. Typical timeline 12–18 months. Official scheme overview: gov.uk PSRAS guidance.

Step 4 — After accreditation

Join firm rotas, list on the directory, and read the get work guide. Reliability and clean attendance notes are how you keep instructions.

Essentials from day one

• Driving licence and willingness to travel at short notice (often essential for freelance cover)
• Reliable phone and attendance-note workflow — firms live or die on 24/7 response
• PACE Code C familiarity before your first solo attendance
• Professional indemnity and firm contract arrangements before taking instructions
• Join practitioner communities for cover and peer support (see WhatsApp overview on site)

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