Police Station Procedures Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the primary responsibilities of the Custody Officer upon the arrival of a detainee at the police station?

Providing legal representation to the detainee

Ensuring an accurate custody record is opened (correct)

Conducting the initial interview with the detainee

Interrogating the suspect about the offense

Which officer at the police station is responsible for ensuring the suspect's legal rights are properly observed?

Review Officer

Arresting Officer

Custody Officer (correct)

Identification Officer

What action must the Custody Officer take regarding the suspect's rights?

Only inform the suspect if they request it

Postpone informing the suspect until after an interview

Disclose the rights only to the solicitor

Inform the suspect immediately upon arrival (correct)

Which role does NOT have the responsibility to ensure that the Custody Record is correctly maintained?

Arresting Officer Signup and view all the answers

What must happen to the Custody Record upon the detainee's departure from the police station?

A copy must be provided to the detainee or their representative upon request. Signup and view all the answers

What assessment must the Custody Officer perform when handling a detainee?

Assessment of risk to the detainee Signup and view all the answers

What is one responsibility that the Custody Officer does NOT have?

Conduct interviews with the detainee Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is included in the Custody Record?

Details of the suspect's arrest and detention reasons Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for conducting the review for a person who has been arrested and charged?

The Custody Officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum interval allowed between subsequent reviews after the initial reviews?

Nine hours Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstances may the review officer use telephone or video links to conduct a review?

Under certain conditions specified by law Signup and view all the answers

What must be done before an interview begins according to the regulations?

The Custody Officer must assess the suspect’s fitness to be interviewed Signup and view all the answers

What is required to be recorded during police interviews as per PACE?

All interviews must be recorded openly or noted contemporaneously Signup and view all the answers

What must happen if a suspect requests legal advice during an interview?

The interview must stop until they have met with their legal representative Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a lawful ground for authorizing the detention of a suspect?

To ensure the suspect's safety Signup and view all the answers

What does PACE Code C Paragraph 11.1A define as an 'interview'?

The questioning of a person suspected of a crime Signup and view all the answers

What must a balanced summary include according to recording requirements?

Details of where and when the interview took place Signup and view all the answers

How should interviews relating to indictable only and either way offences be recorded?

They must be audio recorded according to PACE s.60 Signup and view all the answers

What must the police do to ensure the admissibility of evidence in trial?

Ensure the Custody Record is accurately maintained Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rights is not subject to lawful delay under PACE for detainees?

Right to have written notice of rights Signup and view all the answers

Which authorization level is required to lawfully delay a suspect's right to consult a solicitor?

Superintendent Signup and view all the answers

When are police required to conduct a risk assessment for a detainee?

Immediately upon the detainee's arrival Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum initial detention period for a suspect before they must be charged?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is deemed a breach of Article 6 rights?

Consulting with a solicitor in the presence of police Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would justify extending detention beyond 36 hours?

Urgent ongoing investigation requiring questioning Signup and view all the answers

What should be recorded after each review of detention as mandated by PACE?

Review Officer's detention decision Signup and view all the answers

Which right allows a detainee to communicate someone about their whereabouts?

Right to have someone informed of the arrest Signup and view all the answers

How long can a detainee be held unconditionally after a magistrates’ court application for further detention?

48 hours Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance can a detainee's right to request an interpreter be denied?

If the police deem it unnecessary Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential factor for the Custody Officer when deciding to extend detention without charge?

The necessity to obtain evidence by questioning Signup and view all the answers

What ensures a suspect's continued access to their rights during detention?

Periodic reviews of detention Signup and view all the answers

What is the key purpose of the Custody Record in a police investigation?

Documenting compliance with legal obligations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Arrival at the Police Station

Detainees are taken to the police station after arrest.
Immediately after arrival, they are brought before a Custody Officer and "booked in".
Key personnel at the station include the Custody Officer, Arresting/Interviewing Officer, Review Officer, and Identification Officer. Their roles are distinct.

Roles of Key Personnel

Custody Officer/Detention Officer: Ensures detainee rights are upheld (s39 PACE), maintaining impartiality in the investigation. They cannot question the suspect about the crime. Duties include:
- Opening and maintaining an accurate custody record.
- Informing the detainee of their rights.
- Assessing risk to the detainee.
- Authorizing detention.
Arrest/Interviewing Officer: Has no obligation to inform the solicitor or detainee about the investigation details.

Custody Record

A Custody Record is opened as soon as possible for each detainee.
The record is essential evidence, detailing all aspects of detention.
The suspect's legal advisor can inspect the record at any time and request a copy upon leaving.
Included in the record are details:
- Arrest details.
- Reasons for detention.
- Search and detention authorizations.
- Requests for legal/medical advice.
- Detention reviews.
- Food/drinks provided.
- Any complaints.
Should be carefully reviewed by the suspect's legal advisor to ensure compliance with regulations.

Detainee Rights

Right to Legal Counsel: Detainees can consult with a solicitor privately. This right can only be delayed in specified circumstances and with superintendent authorization(s 58 PACE and Code C, p 6.1). The consultation has to be confidential (ECHR Article 6(3)(c)).
Right to Inform Others: Detainees can inform a friend/relative/interested party about their arrest (s56 PACE and Code C, p 5.1). Phone call is also allowed, for a reasonable amount of time to one person(Code C, Paragraph 5.6).This can only be lawfully delayed, requiring an Inspector's authorization.
Right to Codes of Practice: Detainees will receive written notice of their rights and are made aware of the relevant Codes of Practice.
Vulnerable Suspects: Specific arrangements are made for vulnerable suspects (covered in a separate recording).
Other Rights: Include access to refreshments, breaks, medical attention, and an interpreter if needed. The Codes list all rights.

Risk Assessment

Custody Officers conduct ongoing risk assessments to determine detainee needs. This includes:
- Legal advice needs.
- Contacting others needs.
- Medical needs.
- Self-harm risk.
- Need for appropriate adult (under age of 18 or vulnerable mentally).
- Interpreter needs.

Detention Grounds

The Custody Officer decides if the suspect should be detained or charged (s37 PACE).
Continued detention can only under grounds of acquiring evidence needed to solve the case.
Sufficient evidence must exist to charge the person promptly. Interviewing is also a legitimate ground if the evidence can be better acquired.

Detention Clock (Time Limits)

Strict time-limits on suspect detention.
Indefinite or unlimited detention isn't permitted.
Maximum initial detention period is 24 hours for all offenses (s41 PACE), extending to 36 hours for indictable offences (s42 PACE).
Extensions obtained through the magistrates' court. Maximum detention for indictable offences are 96 hours, further extending to 120 hours.

Detention Reviews

Reviews of detention are carried out periodically (s40 PACE).
Review Officer is responsible.
The first review is within 6 hours, the second within 9 hours, with subsequent intervals being within 9 hours.
Review Officer must be of a certain rank, not personally involved, and aware of ECHR Article 5 about detainee rights when deciding on the continuation of detention.
Detainees and solicitors can make representations to the Review Officer.
Telephone/video reviews are possible.

Police Interview

Gathering evidence involves questioning suspects and witnesses.
Interviews must be meticulously recorded for an accurate record. This provides evidence for the case.
PACE regulations require audio recording for indictable only and either-way offenses recorded, and visually (if possible). Record contents include date, time, location, those present, any breaks.
Summary prepared from recording for the defense, which can be checked against and agreed if desired. Transcription requested is possible.
Summary provided to defense as part of the case details.
For summary offense interview, the record can be made through note form, though it is often also recorded audio.
A detainee must be fit to be interviewed which can be checked through medical consultation if required to ascertain fitness.
Suspects' legal rights need to be maintained.
Suspects that have requested legal assistance must not be interviewed until they have legal advice/ met with their lawyer. Interviews should be cautioned at the start and whenever an interview resumes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the procedures and roles involved when a detainee arrives at the police station. This quiz covers important personnel responsibilities, including the Custody Officer, as well as the significance of the Custody Record. Understand the rights of detainees and the protocols followed in custody.