Back to Blog

PACE Code C at Kent Police Stations: Your Rights in Custody

PACE Code C rights in Kent police custody
Robert Cashman
24 June 2026
Police Station Advice

Introduction

PACE Code C sets out how suspects must be treated in police custody — from booking-in at Medway or Gravesend to interview, reviews and release. It applies across Kent and England and Wales.

Full guide: PACE Code C overview. For unfitness to interview specifically, see unfitness to interview Kent.

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).

PACE Code C rights in Kent police custody
PACE Code C rights in Kent police custody

Key takeaways

  • Code C covers detention, treatment and questioning in custody.
  • You have rights to legal advice (PACE s.58), rest, food and medical care.
  • Vulnerable suspects and juveniles need an appropriate adult for interview (Code C para 11.15).
  • The custody officer must review detention regularly (Code C para 3).

Key Code C themes for Kent detainees

Booking-in, custody record, searches, samples, interviews and bail/RUI decisions all fall under Code C. Breaches may affect whether evidence is excluded under PACE s.78 — but exclusion is not automatic.

Related topics

See unfitness to interview, appropriate adults, and appropriate adult Kent article.

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

What is PACE Code C?

Code C is the statutory code of practice for detention, treatment and questioning of suspects in police custody under PACE.

Does Code C apply to voluntary interviews?

Many Code C provisions apply to voluntary attendances for interview under caution, not only cell detention.

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.