What Does a Police Station Representative Actually Do?
A structured guide to the role, responsibilities, and typical attendance workflow for accredited police station representatives in England and Wales.
Last updated: 1 June 2026 · Author: Robert Cashman, Duty Solicitor & Higher Court Advocate
Who this guide is for
Trainee and accredited reps, solicitors supervising cover, and anyone considering PSRAS accreditation. For suspects and families, see our beginner's guide and interview guide.
Overview of the role
A police station representative ("rep") is accredited under the Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS) to advise suspects detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). Reps attend custody suites; supervising solicitors at firms holding a Standard Crime Contract retain professional responsibility.
Key tasks and responsibilities
Initial consultation
Speak to the client in private, take instructions, explain rights and the caution, and agree interview strategy. Consultation is legally privileged.
Reviewing disclosure
Obtain and analyse what the police say they hold before interview (PACE Code C, paragraph 11.1A). Identify gaps and chase further detail where needed.
Interview support
Sit with the client during the recorded interview, take notes, intervene on improper questioning, and request breaks for further consultation.
Custody monitoring
Check the custody record, detention authorisation, rights, reviews, and welfare issues (interpreter, appropriate adult, vulnerability).
Liaison
Communicate with custody staff, the officer in the case, and the supervising solicitor. Report outcomes and charging or bail decisions.
Attendance notes
Produce a clear attendance note for the firm — disclosure, advice, interview summary, outcome — for billing and handover to court lawyers.
A typical police station attendance
- 1
Instruction
Notification from the Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC) or your instructing firm, often at short notice and unsocial hours.
- 2
Travel to custody
Attend the custody suite promptly. Firms and contracts expect timely attendance; delays should be recorded.
- 3
Custody record review
Check detention times, rights, grounds for detention, and any vulnerability flags before seeing the client.
- 4
Disclosure
Speak to the officer in the case about the allegation and evidence. Record what was and was not disclosed.
- 5
Private consultation
Take full instructions and advise on answer, no comment, or prepared statement.
- 6
Interview
Support the client in the recorded interview under caution.
- 7
Post-interview
Advise on charge, bail, release, or further interview. Update the supervising solicitor.
- 8
Reporting
Complete the attendance note and any billing fields required by the firm's legal aid contract.
What representatives cannot do
- Represent clients in the magistrates' or Crown Court (that requires a solicitor or barrister)
- Provide unsupervised advice — accredited reps work under solicitor supervision and an LAA crime contract
- Conduct litigation or issue court proceedings
- Accept instructions directly from the public without a firm (clients request legal aid advice via the police; firms allocate cover)
Frequently asked questions
What is a police station representative?+
An accredited legal adviser who attends police custody under the Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS). They advise suspects at the police station under PACE, supervised by a solicitor whose firm holds a Standard Crime Contract.
Can a police station rep attend court?+
No. Court representation requires a solicitor or barrister. Reps prepare the police station record for the firm's court lawyers.
Is police station advice free?+
In most police station cases, legal advice is available free under the legal aid scheme regardless of income. The police must explain how to access advice (PACE s.58; Code C).
What is the difference between a rep and a duty solicitor?+
A duty solicitor is a qualified solicitor on the duty rota. An accredited rep is a non-solicitor qualified through PSRAS. Both can advise at the police station; only solicitors (and barristers) represent in court. See our comparison guide.
How do I become a police station representative?+
Through PSRAS: enrol with Cardiff University or Datalaw, pass the written test, complete a supervised portfolio, and pass the Critical Incidents Test (CIT). You need an SCC firm to supervise you. See our full 2026 guide.
Related guides
Beginner's guide
Custody lifecycle from arrest to charge or release
Interview under caution
The caution, rights, and interview options
Duty solicitor vs rep
Qualifications and how they work together
How to become a rep
Full PSRAS accreditation route
Get work guide
Finding instructions after accreditation
Find a rep
Accredited representatives nationwide
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.