Being held in custody

At an action, things can move quickly – especially when police are making arrests.

Once you are under arrestTo take into custody. More and back at the police station, things often slow down and there is a lot of waiting.

If you are arrested, the police may only keep you in custody for a “reasonable time”.

What is reasonable depends upon the:

• Number and complexity of the offences
• Time needed for police to read and collate materialRelevant or important; information which may influence a decision. More
• Number of other people being questioned
• How busy the police station is that day
• Time needed for you to talk to a lawyer, interpreter, relative or friend
• Time needed for medical attention
• Time given to you to rest during an interview

It is fairly common to spend around 4 hours at the police station before you are released (with or without bail conditions).

If you have been held in custodyControl; e.g. when arrested and not free to leave; formerly, care and control of a child. More for a long time, or if you are feeling unsafe, you should ask to phone a lawyer.

You also have the right to make a phone call to a friend or relative.

You can also ask the police if they intend to charge you with something.