Question 1

Do you deal with arrests from yesterday or a few days ago?

Accepted Answer

We handle immediate matters only: someone currently in police custody at a Kent station, or a scheduled voluntary (VAI) interview. We do not deal with arrests from yesterday, days ago, or last week — or enquiries after someone has been released. If someone was arrested yesterday, two days ago, or earlier — or has already been released — we cannot attend, trace what happened, or provide a case update. If they need a solicitor after release, they should contact a criminal defence firm directly.

Question 2

Can you tell me if someone is in custody or find someone who has disappeared?

Accepted Answer

We are not a tracing or missing-person service. We cannot find someone who has disappeared, confirm whether they are in custody, or explain what happened to them unless we are attending as their instructed solicitor — and even then, confidentiality applies. If you believe an immediate family member is in custody right now at a Kent police station, you may call to instruct representation — see who can instruct us below.

Question 3

Who can instruct you on someone else's behalf?

Accepted Answer

Only immediate family may instruct on someone else's behalf — for example a parent, spouse or partner, child, or sibling. Friends, colleagues, and other acquaintances cannot instruct us. When a third party instructs us, the detainee must confirm they want us to represent them when we contact the station (PACE Code C). We cannot act without that consent.

Question 4

What should immediate family tell us when instructing (right now)?

Accepted Answer

Please tell us: the Kent police station (if known), the detainee's full name, that custody is current (today), any vulnerabilities (under 18, mental health, language needs), whether they already asked for a solicitor, your relationship to the detainee, and a callback number. We will contact custody to attend and advise — not to give you a status report.

Question 5

Can you call the police for a welfare update or to find out what happened in interview?

Accepted Answer

We contact police only to attend as legal representative when properly instructed for current custody. We do not make speculative welfare calls, and we do not discuss interview content with family unless the client explicitly authorises us after release.

Question 6

Why can't you share details with family?

Accepted Answer

Legal Professional Privilege protects the client, not the caller. Everything discussed between a solicitor and client is confidential. The detainee decides who we may speak to after release. This protects their rights during a police investigation. For a step-by-step guide, see our Can We Help page at /canwehelp.

Police Station Representation FAQ (Kent)

Immediate custody & scheduled interviews only — not past arrests or general enquiries

What We Do

What services do you provide as a Police Station Duty Solicitor?

Who do you represent?

What types of offences do you cover?

Do you cover voluntary police interviews?

What qualifications do your representatives have?

What is a police station duty solicitor?

How does a duty solicitor protect your rights in Kent custody suites?

What is the difference between a police station agent and a duty solicitor?

Are you available for extended hours?

Do you cover Legal Aid and private work?

Which police stations do you cover?

Immediate custody only — who can call

Do you deal with arrests from yesterday or a few days ago?

Can you tell me if someone is in custody or find someone who has disappeared?

Who can instruct you on someone else's behalf?

What should immediate family tell us when instructing (right now)?

Can you call the police for a welfare update or to find out what happened in interview?

Why can't you share details with family?

When a different service may be better

Do you deal with arrests from yesterday or general case updates?

Can a friend instruct you on my behalf?

Can you help find someone who has disappeared or trace what happened to them?

Do you handle non-criminal matters?

Do you represent people after they have been charged?

Can you help with motoring offences that don't involve arrest?

Do you provide legal advice for general queries?

Can you represent me at a police station outside Kent?

Becoming a Police Station Representative

How do I become a Police Station Representative?

What qualifications do I need?

What does the role involve?

Can I work as a Police Station Rep while studying?

How much can I earn as a Police Station Representative?

Where can I get more information about becoming a Police Station Rep?

For Solicitors

What agent services do you provide to law firms?

What information do you provide after attending?

What are your rates for agent work?

Can you cover on short notice?

Getting Help

How do I get help if I've been arrested?

What if I'm asked to attend a voluntary interview?

Is advice at the police station really free?

What should I do if police want to interview me?

Can my family contact you on my behalf?

Can you get me information about someone who has been arrested by the police?

Can you report matters on my behalf to the police?

Can you find out what happened in my case?

About Legal Aid

Do I qualify for free legal aid at the police station?

Do I need to provide financial information?

What if I have been charged and need court representation?

Still Have Questions?

Kent Police Custody Rights Guides

Kent Police Stations & Local Representation