Being locked in a police cell is unpleasant and, for most people, frightening. Knowing what to expect takes some of the fear out of it.

The cell

A custody cell is a small, bare room with a raised concrete or moulded bench and a thin mattress, a blanket, and a toilet in the cell itself, usually with only a low partition for privacy. Many cells have a CCTV camera; where there is one, the toilet area should be pixelated or screened on the monitor. There is no window you can open, lighting is usually on 24 hours (dimmed at night), and there is a call button or intercom to speak to staff. Newer suites built since the 2000s are cleaner and better ventilated; some older ones are not.

Food, drink and basics

  • You should be offered two light meals and one main meal in any 24 hours, with drinks at mealtimes and on reasonable request. Meals are usually microwaved; staff can accommodate dietary and religious needs if you tell them.
  • You cannot smoke or vape. Many suites offer nicotine replacement; ask.
  • You can ask for a shower and basic toiletries, and for replacement clothing if yours is taken for evidence.
  • If you are held for more than 24 hours you should be offered brief outdoor exercise where the suite has a yard.
  • If you take prescribed medication, tell the custody officer. A healthcare professional (nurse or doctor) can be called to see you, and must be called if you are injured, unwell, or at risk.

Rest

You must be allowed a continuous period of at least eight hours' rest in any 24 hours, normally at night, free from questioning. Interviews should not take place during that time except in limited circumstances.

Checks on you

Staff must check on you at least every hour, and much more often (or constantly) if you are intoxicated, injured, distressed or at risk of self-harm. Tell the custody officer honestly about drink, drugs, medical conditions and how you are feeling. It is not a sign of weakness and it changes how you are looked after.

If you are under 18 or vulnerable

Tell staff. You must have an appropriate adult, you must be kept apart from adult detainees, and if you are autistic, have ADHD, a learning disability or a mental health condition you can ask for adjustments: lower lighting, less noise, your own clothing where possible, or a quieter cell. A police station should not be used as a "place of safety" for a child in mental health crisis at all, and only exceptionally for an adult.

Your custody record

Everything that happens to you in custody, including meals, checks, medication and requests, is logged in a custody record. You are entitled to a copy for 12 months after release. If something went wrong, that record is the first piece of evidence.

Being polite and calm with custody staff tends to make the stay shorter and easier. Being quiet about your health does not: speak up.

This is general information for England and Wales, not legal advice. If you have been arrested or charged, speak to a solicitor: advice at the police station is free for everyone.