Arrival Times & Delays for Police Station Representation

Expected Arrival Times

Under PACE Code C, the police must allow you to consult with a solicitor as soon as practicable.¹ Typical arrival times vary depending on:

• Location: Urban areas typically 30-60 minutes, rural areas may take longer
• Time of day: Peak times may have longer delays
• Traffic conditions: Can significantly impact arrival times
• Availability: Solicitor availability at the time of request

We aim to arrive within 30-60 minutes for most Kent police stations, though this can vary depending on circumstances.

Your Rights During Delays

If there is a delay in the solicitor's arrival, you have important rights:²

• You should not be interviewed until your solicitor arrives (unless you waive this right)
• You can request updates on the solicitor's estimated arrival time
• You can speak to the solicitor on the phone while waiting
• The police should not put pressure on you to proceed without a solicitor

When Can the Police Proceed Without Waiting?

The police can only proceed with an interview without waiting for a solicitor in very limited circumstances:³

• If waiting would cause unreasonable delay to the investigation
• If waiting would lead to interference with evidence
• If waiting would lead to harm to other people
• If waiting would lead to alerting other suspects
• If the solicitor cannot be contacted or refuses to attend

Even in these circumstances, you should still be allowed to speak to a solicitor on the phone before the interview.

Telephone Advice While Waiting

While waiting for your solicitor to arrive, you can receive advice over the telephone.⁴ This allows you to:

• Get immediate advice on your rights
• Understand what to expect during the interview
• Decide whether to wait for the solicitor or proceed
• Get guidance on how to respond to police questions

What to Do If There's a Delay

If there is an unexpected delay:

• Ask the custody officer for an update on the solicitor's arrival time
• Request to speak to the solicitor on the phone
• Do not feel pressured to proceed without a solicitor
• Remember: you have the right to wait for your solicitor
• If the delay is unreasonable, this may be a breach of your rights