Arrest to police interview journey
Step-by-step from arrest through PACE rights, custody, interview, to release or charge.
Who Uses This Journey
Anyone arrested or attending a voluntary interview at a police station.
Stage-by-Stage Timeline
Arrest and caution
Officer must tell you you're under arrest, the offence, and the standard caution. PACE Code G governs.
- Note time of arrest
- Officer's name and collar number
Custody desk and rights
Custody Sergeant authorises detention. You have the right to free legal advice, to have someone notified, and to consult Codes of Practice (PACE Code C).
Speak to a solicitor
Free consultation (in person or by phone). Solicitor advises on the interview strategy: answer, no comment, or prepared statement.
Interview
Recorded under caution. Adverse inferences may be drawn from silence (s.34 CJPOA 1994) — solicitor will advise.
Release or charge
Possible outcomes: NFA, bail with conditions, released under investigation (RUI), or charged and bailed to court.
- No further action
- Bailed
- Released under investigation
- Charged