My friend or partner has been arrested

Normally, a person can be held in custody for up to 24 hours without charge. 

DPs are treated in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE), and the PACE Codes of Practice. The police treat detained persons fairly and reasonably and will endeavour to deal with them expeditiously and to release them as soon as the need for person to be detained no longer applies.

When asked if they wish to have legal representation the DP can nominate a solicitor or firm that they know specifically, or we can arrange the duty solicitor to attend for them. Legal representation does not cost any money whilst the DP is in custody.

If the DP is aged 18 or over then no information will be given about that person to anyone asking, unless with the express permission of the DP. The DP will have the opportunity to have someone informed of their arrest and this will be done. Some DPs choose not to have anyone informed and that is their right. If staff were to give any information without their permission, then this would be a breach of data protection.