How to Become a Police Station Representative
Quick overview of the PSRAS accreditation route. For costs, timelines, exemptions, and FAQs, use the complete 2026 guide.
Last updated: 1 June 2026 · Author: Robert Cashman, Duty Solicitor & Higher Court Advocate
Full guide: This page is a summary. The detailed walkthrough — eligibility, written exam exemptions, supervision, costs, and FAQs — is in How to Become a Police Station Representative (2026).
Overview
Police station representatives qualify through PSRAS — not a law degree. You need a Standard Crime Contract firm to sponsor and supervise you, then pass written assessment, complete a portfolio of supervised attendances, and pass the Critical Incidents Test (CIT).
Reality check
- Regulated legal work under PACE — same custody standard as junior duty solicitors
- 24/7 on-call cover once accredited; reliability is your commercial asset
- No firm sponsorship = no route (the main barrier to entry)
- Probationary reps cannot freelance until fully accredited after the CIT
The route at a glance
- 1
Secure an SCC firm
A Standard Crime Contract firm must sponsor and supervise you before enrolment.
- 2
Enrol with Cardiff or Datalaw
Pay enrolment fee and receive your PSRAS candidate handbook.
- 3
Pass the written test
Two-hour exam (four of five questions, 50% pass — Datalaw). Exemptions per PSRA 2025. See Written Exam guide.
- 4
Register as probationary
After written pass and Part A portfolio pass — ADMIN 2 to DSCC; probationary PIN issued.
- 5
Complete portfolio
Nine case studies total: Part A (2+2 observed) and Part B (5 unsupervised).
- 6
Pass the CIT
Audio role-play assessment — Content, Confidence, Control (50% each per scenario).
- 7
Full accreditation
Added to the Register as fully accredited; freelance work becomes possible.
Supervision — the main barrier
Firms take professional and contract risk when supervising trainees. Expect to demonstrate commitment, availability, and basic PACE knowledge before enrolment. Read find a supervising solicitor before paying assessment fees.
Assessment organisations
Cardiff University Law School and Datalaw are the SRA-authorised assessment organisations. Your firm may prefer one provider. Check current enrolment fees and handbook requirements on their websites before committing.
Your next steps
- Read the complete 2026 guide
- Start getting started checklist
- Approach firms via supervising solicitor guide
Related guides
Sources & further reading
Links are to official publishers (legislation, gov.uk, CPS, LAA, Sentencing Council). Case law on this site is limited to entries in our verified case-law registry. Always confirm the current version before relying on it in live advice.
Need help?
Find an accredited police station representative or get in touch.