Advising client at the police station

• What is the lowest rank of police officer?

  Constable
• What is the highest rank of police officer?

  Chief constable
• What are the ranks of police officers from low to high?

  • Constable
  • Sergeant
  • Inspector
  • Chief inspector
  • Superintendent
  • Chief superintendent
  • Assistant chief constable
  • Deputy chief constable
  • Chief constable
• Under what conditions can access to legal advice be delayed?

  Access can be delayed for up to 36 hours if the suspect is arrested for an indictable only or either way charge and authorized by a superintendent or above.
• What must be documented if suspects refuse access to legal advice?

  It must be signed in writing by an officer of inspector rank or above.
• What is the right of a suspect regarding informing someone of their arrest?

  The right to inform someone can be delayed for up to 36 hours under similar conditions as legal advice.
• How long can a suspect be kept in custody without an arrest?

  Up to 24 hours.
• What is the maximum time a suspect can be kept in custody for an indictable only or either way offence?

  36 hours total, with an extension authorized by a superintendent or above.
• Who can authorize an extension of custody beyond 36 hours?

  Magistrates court can authorize an extension of a further 36 hours.
• What is the total maximum time a suspect can be held in custody?

  96 hours total, with specific applications for extensions.
• What does S. 40 of PACE state about custody reviews?

  Suspects' custody must be reviewed no later than 6 hours after detention was authorized.
• What is the interval for subsequent custody reviews after the first review?

  The second review must occur no later than 9 hours from the first review, followed by 9-hour intervals afterwards.
• What rights do suspects have during identification procedures?

  Suspects have the right to have the procedure explained and to have legal advice or a friend present.
• What is required for police to carry out an identification procedure?

  Consent is required from the suspect, and parental consent is needed for those under 14 years old.
• What is the definition of video identification?

  Witness is shown moving images of the suspect and at least 8 other people.
• How many times must a witness be shown the images in video identification?

  At least twice, and they are told the suspect may not appear.
• Who must be shown the images before the witness in video identification?

  The suspect and their legal representative must be shown the images before the witness.
• What is the definition of an identification parade?

  Suspect and at least 8 other people appear in a line.
• What is the definition of group identification?

  Witness sees suspect in an informal group with or without the suspect's consent.
• What is the definition of confrontation in identification procedures?

  One-on-one identification.
• What must suspects have during a confrontation identification?

  Suspects can have a solicitor or friend present if it would not cause undue delay.
• What are possible objections during identification procedures?

  Failure to account for reasonable objections, failure to keep witnesses apart, and failure to warn witnesses about the suspect's absence.
• What can happen if there is a breach of identification procedure rules?

  The court may exclude the evidence if its admission will have an adverse effect on fairness.
• What are the responsibilities of custody officers regarding vulnerable suspects?

  • Identify vulnerable suspects
  • Ensure access to an appropriate adult is present
  • If not, all evidence may be excluded
• What should interviewing officers avoid during interviews?

  Interviewing officers should avoid using oppression or inducement.
• What is the definition of oppression in the context of police interviews?

  Oppression is torture, inhumane or degrading treatment, and the use/threat of violence.
• What is the definition of inducement in police interviews?

  Inducement is the promise of bail, early release, or offering a cigarette.
• Who can remove a solicitor from an interview?

  A superintendent can remove a solicitor.
• Who decides the outcome for a suspect after an interview?

  The custody officer decides whether the suspect gets bail, is remanded, or is produced to court.