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Custody Record Numbers and DSCC References Explained for Families

Custody record numbers and DSCC references explained
Robert Cashman
12 June 2026
Police Station Advice

Introduction

Custody record numbers and DSCC references are two distinct identifiers used when arranging police station attendance in Kent. Understanding the difference helps detainees and family members communicate clearly with custody staff and the Defence Solicitor Call Centre. This guide explains both references in plain English.

Police Station Agent is a private defence website operated by Robert Cashman — NOT Kent Police. Legal services are delivered through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).

Custody record numbers and DSCC references explained
Custody record numbers and DSCC references explained

Key takeaways

  • The custody record number identifies detention on the custody suite system.
  • The DSCC reference links a duty solicitor instruction to the call centre process.
  • They are separate references — not interchangeable.
  • Both help your solicitor arrange attendance when you provide them during contact.

1) Why these references matter

When someone is detained at a Kent custody suite, multiple systems and people need to coordinate — custody staff, investigating officers, the Defence Solicitor Call Centre, and the attending solicitor. Reference numbers reduce confusion and help the right legal representative reach the right detainee at the right station.

Whether you are a detainee requesting advice or a family member helping from outside, knowing which reference to provide saves time.

2) What is a custody record?

When someone is booked into police custody, the custody officer creates a custody record. This is a formal document recording the detention — including the reason for arrest, grounds for detention, rights given, property logged, reviews of detention, medical needs, and contacts with legal representatives. The custody record number is the unique identifier for that detention on the custody suite computer system.

Custody staff can locate a detainee from the custody record number even if little other information is available. This makes it one of the most useful details when arranging attendance.

3) What is a DSCC reference?

The Defence Solicitor Call Centre (DSCC) handles many contacts between detainees and duty solicitor firms. When a detainee requests legal advice, custody staff or the detainee may contact the DSCC. The DSCC allocates the matter to a duty solicitor firm and may provide a DSCC reference number.

The DSCC reference links the instruction to the call centre's records. It helps the attending solicitor confirm the instruction and match it to the correct detainee and station. Robert Cashman is listed with the DSCC as Tuckers Duty Solicitor — you may request him by name.

4) How the two references differ

The custody record number belongs to the police custody system and identifies the detention itself. The DSCC reference belongs to the duty solicitor allocation process. A single detention may generate both references, but they serve different purposes and are not the same number.

Providing both when arranging attendance is ideal. If you have only one, the custody record number is often the most immediately useful for locating the detainee.

5) How detainees can obtain references

A detainee can ask the custody officer for the custody record number. They can also request legal advice through custody staff, who will contact the DSCC. The DSCC reference, if allocated, may be passed to the attending solicitor. Detainees may request a specific duty solicitor where the scheme allows.

See your rights in custody and PACE Code C explained.

6) How family members can help

Immediate family cannot instruct a solicitor on a detainee's behalf, but they can encourage the detainee to request legal advice and pass on contact details for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor. If the family learns the custody record number from the detainee during a permitted call, they can pass it to the solicitor when contacting us.

See someone in custody now and immediate family guidance.

7) When references are unavailable

Sometimes neither reference is available — for example, when a family member contacts us before the detainee has requested a solicitor. In these cases, name, date of birth, and station may still be enough for custody staff to locate the detainee. Providing accurate information is more important than having a reference number.

8) Practical tips

Ask early — references are easier to obtain at the start of detention than after interview. Write them down accurately. Double-check station name (North Kent/Gravesend, Tonbridge, Medway, etc.) alongside the reference.

9) References at different Kent custody suites

Each Kent custody suite uses its own custody system instance. Always confirm which suite holds the detainee when passing a reference. See police station directory for station-specific guidance.

10) Keeping a record of references

Detainees and family members should write down both references as soon as they are obtained. It is easy to forget or confuse numbers during a stressful detention. A note on a phone or piece of paper passed to the attending solicitor speeds up confirmation with custody staff on arrival.

Further information for detainees and family

If you or someone you know faces police station attendance in Kent, remember that legal advice at the police station is free for most people being interviewed. You do not have to answer police questions without advice. A solicitor is independent of the police and bound by confidentiality.

Immediate family may help arrange a solicitor when someone is in current custody, subject to the detainee confirming they want legal advice. Call 01732 247427 or text 07535 494446. Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor. Attendance is subject to availability.

See your rights in custody, someone in custody now, and free police station advice in Kent.

Conclusion

Keep custody record numbers and DSCC references to hand when contacting a solicitor. Call 01732 247427 or text 07535 494446. Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor. Attendance is subject to availability.

Sources

General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DSCC reference the same as the custody record number?

No. They are separate references used for different purposes in the instruction and custody process.

Can I attend without either reference?

A solicitor can still attend using client name, date of birth, and station. References simply speed up locating the detainee.

How do I get a custody record number?

The detainee can ask the custody officer. Family may learn it during a permitted phone call from the detainee.

Can I request a specific duty solicitor through the DSCC?

You may request a named duty solicitor where the scheme allows. Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is general information only. If you are detained, ask custody staff to contact a solicitor. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).

Free legal advice at Kent police stations

Robert Cashman is a qualified criminal solicitor and accredited duty solicitor. Legal services at the police station are provided through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795). This is a private defence website — NOT Kent Police.

If you or someone you know faces arrest, custody, or a voluntary interview under caution at a Kent police station, you may be entitled to free legal advice. Robert Cashman attends custody suites and voluntary interviews across Kent — including North Kent (Gravesend), Tonbridge, Medway, Maidstone, Canterbury and other stations — subject to availability.

Call 01732 247427Text 07535 494446

For someone in current custody or a booked voluntary interview at a Kent station. Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor — the DSCC have our details.