NCJ Number
104651
Date Published
1986
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The British Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the Code of Practice for the Detention, Treatment, and Questioning of Persons by Police Officers mandate means to ensure that police comply with the rights of suspects in custody.
Abstract
The required custody record details everything that happens to suspects during custody. The custody officer is the designated person responsible for ensuring the well-being of suspects in custody. The act and the code require that suspects be given certain information shortly after arriving at the station. This includes reasons for the arrest, the suspects' right to inform another person of their whereabouts, the right to legal advice, and the right to a copy of the custody record. If there is not enough evidence to charge suspects, the custody officer must decide whether they should be held for further interrogation. Various conditions apply after 24 hours of detention without being charged. Magistrate review of the detention is required after 36 hours. The act and code also specify procedures pertinent to suspects' access to an attorney, cautioning of suspects about any statements they might make, and parameters for legal confessions. 1 note.