Knowledge Centre & Resources
Curated resources for police station representatives and criminal defence solicitors across England & Wales — legislation, legal aid guidance, career tools, and more.
General information only — not legal advice. Always follow your regulator, insurer, and supervising solicitor on live cases.
Career & Professional Development
Guides for becoming and succeeding as a police station representative.
How to Become a Police Station Representative
Complete guide to the qualifications, accreditation and steps needed to become an accredited rep.
Beginner's Guide for New Reps
Essential reading for those new to police station representation work.
Get Work as a Police Station Rep
Proven strategies to build and grow your freelance police station practice.
CustodyNote App
Digital custody note app designed for freelance police station representatives.
DSCC Registration Guide
How to register with the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC).
Key Legislation & Guidance
Essential statutory and non-statutory sources for criminal defence practice.
Sentencing Council↗
Definitive guidelines and resources for sentencing in England and Wales.
Criminal Procedure Rules↗
The rules governing criminal court procedure in England and Wales.
PACE Codes of Practice↗
PACE Codes A–H governing police powers and safeguards for those in custody.
Hansard — UK Parliamentary Debates↗
Official record of all debates, questions and statements in Parliament.
Criminal Practice Directions↗
Directions issued by the Lord Chief Justice supplementing the Criminal Procedure Rules.
Disclosure Manual (Attorney General)↗
Attorney General's guidelines on disclosure of unused material in criminal cases.
Crown Court Compendium↗
Guidance for judges, counsel and legal advisers in Crown Court proceedings.
Victims' Code↗
The statutory code setting out the services and information victims of crime are entitled to.
Youth Justice Legal Centre↗
Resources and guidance on the youth justice system in England and Wales.
BAILII (British and Irish Legal Information Institute)↗
Free access to case law, legislation and other legal materials from the UK and Ireland.
UK Legislation & Statutes
Primary legislation most relevant to police station representation work.
Legislation.gov.uk↗
Official database of all UK legislation, including primary and secondary law.
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE)↗
The foundational statute governing police powers and rights of suspects.
Criminal Justice Act 2003↗
Major reform of the criminal justice system affecting bail, sentencing and evidence.
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999↗
Provisions for special measures for vulnerable witnesses and youth offenders.
Human Rights Act 1998↗
Incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law.
Prosecution of Offences Act 1985↗
Establishes the Crown Prosecution Service and sets out prosecution powers.
Serious Crime Act 2007↗
Offences of encouraging or assisting crime; asset recovery; organised crime.
Legal Aid & Forms
LAA guidance, contracts, and billing resources.
Legal Aid Agency↗
The LAA commissions and administers legal aid in England and Wales.
Criminal Legal Aid (Providers)↗
Topic hub for guidance and updates for criminal legal aid providers on GOV.UK.
Criminal Legal Aid Manual↗
Comprehensive guidance on criminal legal aid eligibility, scope, and billing.
Criminal Bills Assessment Manual↗
How the LAA assesses bills submitted by criminal legal aid providers.
Standard Crime Contract 2022↗
The current standard contract for criminal legal aid providers.
Police Station Register Arrangements 2025↗
Guidance on the duty solicitor and police station rep scheme arrangements.
Check Legal Aid Eligibility↗
Official online means test tool to quickly assess eligibility.