England and Wales · not the police
How long can the police normally hold them?
For relatives, not lawyers. Enter only the time they arrived at the station. We show the usual 24-hour limit, when a senior officer or a court would be needed for more time, and when reviews usually happen. Times can change.
Sources last checked 2026-10-05.
This uses the same verified PACE calculator as the Police Station Rep UK detention clock. The family page asks for less information. For the longer legal guide see custody time limits.
Ask for a solicitor by name
You can ask the custody desk to contact your own solicitor by name. You do not have to take the duty solicitor if you want a named solicitor. Advice for someone held at the police station is free. Court work is separate.
Call Robert (click to show the number)
Not Kent Police. For the police call 999 or 101.
Sources
England and Wales. Date checked .
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, section 41 — s.41(1), (2)(a)-(d) and (ca), (5), (6), (7) and (8) (checked 2026-10-05)
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, section 40 — s.40(3), (4), (5) and (6) (checked 2026-10-05)
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, section 42 — s.42(1), (2) and (4) (checked 2026-10-05)
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, section 43 — s.43(12) (checked 2026-10-05)
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, section 44 — s.44(3) (checked 2026-10-05)
- PACE Code C 2023 (accessible), Home Office — Paragraphs 15.1, 15.2, 15.2A and 15.13 (checked 2026-10-05)
- Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013, Schedule 4 — Paragraph 2(1)–(5) and the hourly-rate table (checked 2026-10-05)
- Criminal Legal Aid (General and Remuneration) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 — Schedule 2 paragraph 1, substituting Schedule 4 paragraph 2(4) and (5) (checked 2026-10-05)
- 2025 Standard Crime Contract Specification — Paragraphs 4.37–4.41, 5.43, 9.75, 9.77, 9.81, 9.90–9.99 and 9.103 (checked 2026-10-05)
- Criminal Bills Assessment Manual, Version 27 — Section 5.13 (escape fee cases), including the £320 / £650 / £1,500 / £1,170 example (checked 2026-10-05)
- LAA Travel and Subsistence Guidance — Mileage guide rates: standard motor 45p, public transport 25p, cycling 20p (checked 2026-10-05)