You can be detained in custody by the police if they suspect that you’ve committed a crime.You cannot be questioned by the police unless you have legal representation present and you cannot be detained for any more than twelve hours without being arrested - though in special circumstances they can apply to detain you for a further 12 hours. If after twelve hours the police no longer have grounds of suspicion they must release you.

During detention, there are certain things that the police have to tell you –

• why you have been detained, 
• a general indication of the suspected crime 
• they must let you know that you only have to give your name and address;

 There is no requirement for you to answer any other questions. 

The police are allowed to

• search you
• take photos or fingerprints and
• can move you from a police station to another place. 

A special warrant is required for an invasive or intimate search.

You are entitled to tell a solicitor and one other person about your detention and whereabouts – the police will make the phone call for you, and will be required to do so without delay unless there is a good reason for them not to do so.

For more information about detention, see the Citizens Advice Bureau - Advice Guide website.