Last time saw us making an arrest. So, what do we do with our newly handcuffed offender now?
You do have them handcuffed, don’t you? Or should you?
Actually, you should only officially handcuff them if one of three specific grounds are in play.
- You suspect they will attempt to escape.
- You suspect they will attempt to hide evidence.
- You suspect they will attempt to harm either you, themselves or others.
If none of the three above grounds are there then you can arrest your offender and put them in the car without handcuffs. You don’t often see that on the TV, do you?!
Okay, moving on, now I’ve confused the situation slightly. We’re going to the custody suit to book our offender in.
The custody block is an airless, windowless, cheerless place. It has high desks so no one can jump over them and attempt to hurt the staff that works there. And being only 5ft tall, there were times I had to stand on my toes just to talk to the custody sergeant! It’s a busy place and you can often have to queue with your offender to be booked in.
Booking in is just as it sounds. The custody sergeant has a computer where he books the offender into the system so he knows who he has locked up, who she is responsible for. Because every person who comes through those doors falls under the responsibility of the custody sergeant.
Also, as I said last time, you need to have reasonable grounds for your arrest or it is possible your C/sergeant will refuse to detain.
Booking in involves taking all details including any health details that might be relevant during their stay. Bearing in mind police can detain someone for 24 hours without release.
Your offender is given their rights, these are;
- The right to a solicitor. (They can name their own or have the duty solicitor.)
- The right for someone to be told they are there. (Notice this does not say they are entitled to a phone call. This is discretionary and a fallacy that it’s an entitlement. Police will inform a partner if wanted, that said person is in custody – unless the partner is suspected of potentially getting rid of evidence, then it wouldn’t happen.)
- The right to read the police Codes of Practice. (Which is the rule book that police have to abide by.)
Once they have been booked in and their rights given then their DNA, fingerprints, and photographs will be taken.
If your offender is so drunk as to not be capable of understanding their rights when they get into custody, they will be read their rights when they are soberer.
And this is it. Your offender is now safely ensconced in a custody suite awaiting interview!
Are you surprised by any of this process?
You can find all the previous posts in this series HERE.
If you have any items you want addressing in a blog post, let me know.
Rebecca Bradley is a retired police detective who now writes the DI Hannah Robbins crime novels set in Nottingham, UK.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Doesn’t surprise me. Although I wonder if they get a phone call here in the States.
Rebecca Bradley says
I think they might, Alex, which is where the ‘right to’ might have come from.
Margot Kinberg says
This is really, really interesting, Rebecca. And, as you show us, not what you see on TV. It’s fascinating how many things aren’t at all what they show on the television. I really appreciate your giving us this ‘inside look.’
Oh, and I know just how you feel about the height thing…
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m glad you find this series interesting, Margot. And yes, it’s a weird thing sometimes being on the shorter side!
Jacqui Murray says
Fascinating details. This is a wonderful series, Rebecca.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thanks, Jacqui, I’m glad you’re enjoying it 🙂
Cleo @ Cleopatra Loves Books says
As always absolutely fascinating and now I know I can’t demand a phone call 😉
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m glad you enjoy it, Cleo, and no, best not get in that position 🙂
D S Nelson says
Great stuff Rebecca, as always, thank you 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
My pleasure, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Tanya McIntosh says
Rebecca – so helpful and with a great understanding of what writers are looking for. Thanks so much!
Rebecca Bradley says
My pleasure, Tanya. I’m glad you found it useful!
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