Back to Blog

How Long Can Police Hold You in Kent? Custody Time Limits Explained

Custody time limits at Kent police stations
Robert Cashman
23 June 2026
Police Station Advice

Introduction

After arrest in Kent, you will usually be taken to a custody suite such as Medway, North Kent (Gravesend), Tonbridge or Canterbury. PACE sets strict custody time limits on how long you can be detained without charge.

Full guide: custody time limits.

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 time limits at Kent police stations
Custody time limits at Kent police stations

Key takeaways

  • Standard detention is generally 24 hours from arrival at the station (PACE s.41).
  • A superintendent may authorise extension to 36 hours in serious arrestable cases (s.42).
  • Further detention requires magistrates' court warrant (s.43–44) in limited circumstances.
  • You have the right to free legal advice (PACE s.58) and to have someone informed (s.56).

What happens at Kent custody suites?

The custody officer authorises detention and reviews it regularly. You should receive a written notice of your rights. Time spent in hospital or travelling may affect calculations — your solicitor monitors the clock.

Release without charge

At the end of the authorised period, you must be charged, bailed, released under investigation, or released without bail. See Kent custody after arrest.

Related guides

Conclusion

This article is general information for people attending Kent police stations. For advice about your own case, speak to a qualified solicitor before interview.

Sources

General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. While every care is taken to keep information accurate, errors may occur and the law changes. Do not rely on this page instead of advice from a qualified solicitor. If you believe something is incorrect, contact us to report a content error. Statutory references and Code C paragraphs are summarised for readability; refer to the official published versions linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can police hold me without charge?

Generally up to 24 hours from arrival at the police station, extendable to 36 hours by a superintendent in serious arrestable cases, and further by magistrates' court warrant in limited circumstances.

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.