Announcing the time of someone’s arrest what documents, legislation, or procedural guidance is it required
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.034013
I note you seek access to the following information:
When police arrest somebody they seem to be required to announce first the precise present hour and minute, and then the reason for the individual’s arrest.
What is the reason for announcing the time of someone’s arrest, and what documents, legislation, or procedural guidance is it required by (if any)?
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
There is no specific policy that states that the time of arrest must be announced. However, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) Codes of Practice concerning detention, are based on the time of arrest and time of arrival at the police station and are therefore mandatory fields to be completed on a Custody record.
To assist and for your convenience please access the links below to published legislation and guidance which may be of interest to you:
PACE Code C 2019 (accessible) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
PACE Code G 2012 (accessible) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Police (Detention and Bail) Act 2011 - Explanatory Notes (legislation.gov.uk)