What Does a Police Station Representative Do?
A Police Station Rep (often called Police Station Representative or Police Station Reps) is a Legal representative instructed by a Criminal Solicitors Practice to assist that firm's client when they are interviewed by the police on suspicion of committing a criminal offence.
They will hold a legal qualification of some kind. Currently to be a Police Station representative - "Police station rep" they will usually have to be " accredited". They will either hold a qualification in Criminal Law i.e. a Law degree or will need to pass a exam in Criminal Law. They will then have to submit a portfolio of police station attendances demonstrating their knowledge and practice before undertaking a Practical Test
They will hold a legal qualification of some kind. Currently to be a Police Station representative - As a police station representative, they may, if they are self employed they will work long hours. Police interviews can often be at any time of the day or night. Police forces interview detainees all year round. Police station custody suites are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year including public holidays and Xmas. As a Police station rep their advice at the police station could make the difference between the police taking no further action against their client or a lengthy prison sentence. of police station attendances demonstrating your knowledge and practice before undertaking a Practical Test
The role of the Police Station Rep is to:
- offer advice and support to the client during the interview process;
- ensure that the interview is conducted fairly, in accordance with PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984) and that the client’s human rights are not breached;
- take detailed notes of what is said during the interview;
- challenge any inconsistencies in the police officer’s account of events.
If you have been arrested or interviewed under caution by the police, it is always advisable to have a Police Station Rep present. Having a legal representative with you will help to put you at ease and will ensure that your interests are protected throughout the process.
At the beginning of any police interview in England or Wales the police will caution your client. They will say "You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in Court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence." This means that the client has the right to remain silent but anything they do say can be used against them as evidence in Court. They have the right to free and independent legal advice from a Solicitor or police station representative at any time during the police interview process.
If they are under 18 years of age, or have a mental disorder which affects their ability to understand what is happening, the police must allow an appropriate adult to be present during any interview. An “appropriate adult” could be a parent, carer, social worker or someone else over 18 who is not connected with the case.
If they have been arrested, the police must inform them of their right to free and independent legal advice as soon as possible. If they are interviewed under caution at a police station, the police should give them the opportunity to speak to a Solicitor or police station representative before the interview begins.
You can find more information on Police Station Representatives here at https://www.policestationagent.com or https://www.policestationrepuk.com
