Police Stations

How long can I be detained at a police station?

Normally you can only be held for 24 hours at a police station without charge. This time starts running from the moment you get to the station or arrest, whichever is earlier.
If you have been arrested with an indictable only matter the period of detention before charge can be extended to 36 hours from the relevant time by an officer of the rank of superintendent or above. Before this can be authorised two further conditions need to be present; the superintendent feels it is necessary to preserve evidence relating to the offence you are under arrest for, and the investigation is being conducted diligently and expeditiously.

The time you are held before charge can be extended by a Magistrates’ Court up until 96 hours from the relevant time.

If you are taken to hospital when detained, the time in hospital and travelling to hospital does not count.

What is an Appropriate Adult?

An appropriate adult is a person other than a legal representative who is present during interview. They are often parents or social workers. They can be any responsible adult over 18 who is not a police officer or member of police staff. They are required for people who are deemed vulnerable such as juveniles or people who have a mental disorder. Such people should not be interviewed or asked to sign a written statement in the absence of an appropriate adult unless such has been authorized by an officer of the rank of superintendent or above.

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