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Kent Custody Suites: What Happens After Arrest

Kent police custody process after arrest
Robert Cashman
30 May 2026
Police Station Advice

Introduction

After arrest in Kent, a person is usually taken to a police custody suite. This guide describes the typical stages — booking in, legal advice, interview, and possible outcomes — in plain English for detainees and their families.

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).

Kent police custody process after arrest
Kent police custody process after arrest

Key takeaways

  • After arrest you are usually booked into a custody suite and your rights under PACE should be explained.
  • Free legal advice at the police station is available for most people being interviewed.
  • Interviews are usually under caution and recorded — what you say may be used as evidence.
  • Common outcomes include charge, RUI, police bail, or no further action.

Arrival at the custody suite

The detainee is booked in by the custody officer. Personal details are recorded, property may be seized, and rights under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) should be explained. The detainee should be told they may receive free legal advice at the police station (GOV.UK — arrested: your rights).

A custody record is created. The custody officer decides whether detention is necessary and reviews should take place at prescribed intervals. See custody time limits.

Legal advice before interview

Most detainees are entitled to free legal advice. A duty solicitor or accredited representative may attend before any interview under caution. Early advice can help the detainee understand their rights, including the right to silence and the option of a prepared statement. See PACE Code C, no comment interviews, and your rights in custody.

The interview

If the police intend to question the detainee, this is usually done under caution. The interview may be recorded on audio and video. The solicitor's role is to protect the detainee's rights and advise during the process — not to answer questions on their behalf.

Possible outcomes

After interview, common outcomes include:

  • Charge — the person may be charged and bailed or remanded to court
  • Release under investigation (RUI) — released while enquiries continue (RUI explained)
  • Police bail — release with conditions (police bail explained)
  • No further action — the investigation may not proceed at this stage

Kent stations

Custody suites across Kent include Medway, North Kent (Gravesend), Tonbridge, Canterbury, and Folkestone (Maidstone hosts voluntary interviews only — custody closed), and others. See our Kent police custody resource hub for station-specific information.

If a loved one is arrested

Immediate family may help arrange a solicitor when someone is in current custody. Friends cannot instruct on someone else's behalf. Read what to do if a loved one is arrested and our scope FAQ.

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.

Related guides in Kent

Conclusion

If you or someone you know has been arrested in Kent, ask for legal advice before any interview. 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

How long can someone be kept in police custody?

PACE sets time limits, typically up to 24 hours initially, with possible extensions in serious cases. See our custody time limits guide for an overview.

Is legal advice at the police station free?

Yes — legal advice at a police station under the duty solicitor scheme is free for most detainees being interviewed, regardless of income.

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.