What is the relationship between the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) and the Codes of Practice?
PACE - gives police a broad set of discretions that they must apply reasonably (i.e. objectively).
Codes - helps police (and ultimately courts) determine how they should exercise their discretions.
The proper exercise of powers under PACE makes things lawful that would otherwise be unlawful.
What are TWO examples of this?
How would a police officer’s actions be regarded if they acted outside of their PACE powers or failed to comply in a substantial way with the principles of a Code?
What would the consequences be for the officer and their police station?
The police officer’s actions will be unlawful.
They (or the police station) could face disciplinary action or a civil or criminal claim.
A suspect can only be arrested if it is necessary and there are reasonable grounds to suspect what?
An offence has been, is being, or is about to be committed.
What are the immediate next steps after a person is arrested?
What is an exception?
A person who is arrested must be told why they have been arrested, cautioned and taken to a police station as soon as reasonably practicable.
Exception: Grant street bail i.e. require individual to attend station on later date and subject them to certain conditions.
What do the following PACE codes cover?
At the police station, the arrested suspect must be brought before which type of officer? And when?
Custody Officer - a police officer of at least Sergeant rank.
As soon as practicable.
A Custody Officer is responsible for SIX things. What are they?
Hint: A S P I R e D
Which of the below is NOT something a Custody Officer needs provide while detaining a suspect?
Entertainment.
True or False:
Failing to provide appropriate conditions of detention will not necessarily invalidate detention.
True.
In addition to protecting the detainee’s fundamental rights, a custody record is designed to protect the police and prosecution in what way?
If the detention obligations under PACE Code C are not followed, this may allow the defendant to challenge the admissibility of evidence obtained in the police station.
A custody record can be used as evidence to show they were followed.
When can a legal advisor or appropriate adult access the custody record of their client?
At any time during detention.
Upon arrival at the police station, what FIVE rights must the Custody Officer explain to a detainee?
Hint: A R R e S T
True or False:
A detainee must be given a written notice setting out their rights upon arrival at the police station.
In addition to their ‘ARReST’ rights, what else should they be told in the written notice?
That they have the right to:
How many people does a detainee have a right to be informed about their arrest and detention? And who should this be?
One person known to them, or likely to take an interest in their welfare.
True or False:
A detainee is entitled to a direct phone call to someone to inform them of their arrest and detention.
False, while a phone call is the most common means, it is not a guaranteed right and can be terminated. Also, it does not necessarily mean the detainee can directly speak to that person.
True or False:
A detainee’s phone call (or similar means) to the person informed of their arrest and detention is confidential and privileged.
False, they are neither confidential nor privileged and the detainee should be warned of this.
What does a detainee’s ‘right to legal advice’ entail in practice?
To consult and communicate privately with a solicitor (if they wish).
Gain free independent legal advice.
At what critical points in time following arrest should a detainee be informed of the right to legal advice?
Hint: there are five.
If a detainee declines their right to legal advice, what must the police remind them of?
That advice can be given over the phone.
True or False:
As a general rule, if a person has said they want legal advice, they cannot be interviewed until they’ve received it.
True, unless there are grounds for delaying the advice (rare).
Who constitutes a “solicitor” for the purpose of a detainee seeking legal advice while detained at the police station following arrest?
Someone holding a solicitor’s practising certificate.
or
An accredited or probationary representative on the Police Station Representatives register maintained by the Legal Aid Agency. This may include:
What are the THREE requirements for delaying the right to legal advice?
ALL of the below:
What is the maximum amount of time the right to legal advice can be delayed for?
36 hours.