A practical quick-reference guide to the core legal terms you will encounter at the police station. From arrest and detention to mens rea and dishonesty — each term explained with what it means for your work in custody.
AccrediLaw | Current StatusAccrediLaw is an independent training provider preparing candidates for the SRA's Police Station Representatives Accreditation Scheme (PSRAS). The PSRAS assessment is administered by SRA-authorised assessment…
Critical Moment. The police station is often the first point at which an individual formally enters the criminal justice system. Decisions made here shape the course of the investigation, the strength of the evidence, and the fairness…
Many individuals who enter police custody already experience disadvantage in wider society. Poverty, unstable housing, mental ill health, disability, and social exclusion all increase the likelihood of contact with the criminal justice…
False Routine. New Police Station Representatives often approach custody work as if it follows a predictable checklist. In practice, no two attendances are the same. Judgement Required. Decisions depend on timing, client condition,…
A Misleading Reputation. Police station representation is one of the most misunderstood areas of legal work. It is often described as procedural, junior, or routine, particularly by people who have never sat in a custody suite making…