When someone disappears unexpectedly, or if you believe a friend or family member may have run into trouble with the police, it’s natural to want to check whether they’ve been arrested and are in custody. The process, however, can be confusing, especially if you’ve never had to deal with the police before. This article covers various methods, key considerations, and practical steps to find out if someone has been arrested in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland (collectively referred to as the UK).

Table of Contents


1. Understanding Police Arrests and Custody

In the UK, arrests occur when the police have “reasonable grounds to suspect” someone is involved in a criminal offence. Once arrested, the individual is usually taken to a police station for processing (booking), which involves creating a custody record, potential searches, and deciding whether they require immediate questioning or to be held in a cell.

Key points to remember:

  • England and Wales: The Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) sets out procedures. A custody officer oversees anyone in custody, ensuring rights are respected.

  • Scotland: Scots law uses a distinct legal framework with different terminology, but the basic principle of custody in a police station is comparable.

  • Northern Ireland: Similar to England and Wales but under local policing authority.

If someone you know has been arrested, they may not be able to contact you immediately, or they might choose to inform a solicitor first. This sometimes leaves family and friends searching for answers.


2. Initial Indicators That Someone May Have Been Arrested

Before contacting stations or solicitors, you might see initial signs suggesting someone was arrested:

  1. Sudden Disappearance: They fail to return phone calls or messages for an unusual length of time.

  2. Last Known Whereabouts: They mentioned going to a location where a disturbance or police action later took place.

  3. Social Media Silence: If they’re usually active but abruptly stop posting, you may suspect something has happened.

  4. No Return Home Overnight: This is especially concerning if they typically keep you informed of late nights.

  5. Third-Party Tips: Perhaps a friend texts saying they saw the person taken away by police.

While these clues aren’t conclusive proof they’re in custody, they can prompt you to start checking.

What to Do If Someone Is Arrested at the Police Station


3. Contacting the Police and Local Stations

Your first option is to contact the local police stations, especially if you suspect a specific station may be holding the person. Police in the UK typically operate local stations with custody suites. However, keep in mind:

  • Data Protection and Privacy: Police can’t always disclose whether they have a specific individual in custody without that individual’s consent, due to privacy rules.

  • Providing Identifying Details: If you call or visit a station, offering the suspect’s full name, date of birth, and address might help the desk officer check if they’re detained there.

  • Challenges if Moved: If the suspect was moved to another station or if multiple stations exist in one area, you may have to call around.

Tips:

  • Start with the station nearest where the alleged incident or suspicion occurred.

  • If the staff can’t confirm or deny, they might direct you to a general non-emergency line or suggest you try different custody units.

  • Be polite and understanding—front desk officers must balance helping you with respecting detainees’ rights and privacy.


4. Using Non-Emergency Numbers (101)

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you can dial 101 (the non-emergency police number) to inquire about someone possibly in custody. When calling:

  1. Explain Why You’re Calling: Let them know you suspect a specific individual may have been arrested.

  2. Provide Their Information: Give the person’s name, approximate time of disappearance, any relevant incident details, etc.

  3. Ask Which Custody Unit: If the call operator verifies or suggests they have the detainee’s details, they might inform you which custody suite or station they are in.

Remember: The operator may be limited in what they can share without the individual’s consent or if the case is sensitive. Don’t be surprised if you receive a generic response like, “We’re unable to confirm or deny at this moment.”


5. Approaching Solicitors or Duty Solicitors

Why a Solicitor Can Help

Sometimes it’s easier to contact a solicitor, especially if the detainee might have asked for legal representation. A solicitor or law firm known to handle criminal matters could check if they’ve been contacted by the detainee or if they can glean more details from official channels. This is more relevant when:

  • The detainee might have provided your contact or a solicitor’s contact to the police, seeking representation.

  • You know the detainee usually uses a particular law firm or they mentioned a preference for a specific solicitor.

Limitations:

  • Data protection still applies. A solicitor might only confirm they’ve been instructed if the detainee specifically asked them to relay messages or keep certain parties informed.

There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Hayes, London:

We are located near Hayes and Harlington Station on Hayes High Street, in Hayes Town Centre. 


6. Social Media, Phone, and Other Communication Methods

While less formal, sometimes a text or direct message from the detainee or their friend can quickly confirm an arrest. However, if they’ve been taken into custody, their phone is likely confiscated or turned off, limiting their ability to communicate.

Potential Indirect Communication:

  • Friends or coworkers who witnessed the arrest might contact you.

  • They might mention seeing a police vehicle take the person away.

  • If the detainee made a quick phone call during booking, they may have alerted someone else who can pass the news on.

While not an official method, gleaning these details can guide you to the correct station or prompt your next steps.


7. Rights and Data Protection

The police must respect privacy and data protection laws. This sometimes means the police cannot reveal whether someone is in custody unless:

  • They have detainee consent.

  • It’s in the detainee’s best interests (e.g., under-18 needing an appropriate adult).

  • It’s not operationally sensitive or detrimental to ongoing investigations.

Because of these restrictions, you might encounter polite refusals or “We can neither confirm nor deny” statements. Patience and politeness often help; abrupt or aggressive demands might hinder the conversation.


8. Asking Police in Person

If phone inquiries fail, visiting a station in person may occasionally yield results. Approach the front desk politely:

  1. Explain Concern: Say you suspect the person is missing or possibly arrested.

  2. Provide Identifiers: Full name, date of birth, address, any known references to the alleged incident.

  3. Ask Politely if They’re in Custody: You might receive a confirmation or referral to a different station if they believe the suspect is elsewhere.

Potential Outcome:
You might be told, “They are with us, but we can’t share more details now,” or “We have no one by that name in custody.” If they confirm, you can inquire about next steps—whether you can bring them medication, let them know you’ve come to ensure they have a solicitor, etc.


9. Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Regional Differences

  • Scotland: The system is guided by Scots law, with arrests leading to custody in local police stations run by Police Scotland. You can still try phoning the station or contacting 101, but local practices may vary.

  • Northern Ireland: Police custody processes are similar to England and Wales, but with some local variations. The same broad approach of contacting local stations or 101 applies.

Knowing which station might handle detainees in the area is key, as some smaller stations may not have custody suites, meaning detainees are transported to a larger central facility.


10. Scenarios and Practical Examples

  1. Low-Level Offence, Nearby Station:
    If a friend got into a minor altercation outside a pub and was arrested, they might be in the nearest city-centre station. Calling that station or 101 is likely to confirm quickly if they’re detained there.

  2. Major Incident or Ongoing Investigation:
    If the detainee is suspected in a serious offence, the police may withhold confirming their location if it could compromise the investigation. Family might only confirm via official updates or once the detainee uses their right to call someone.

  3. Overnight Detainment:
    The suspect is arrested late at night. By morning, you might not hear from them. Trying 101 or visiting the station in the morning can clarify their status, or you might find they’ve already been released on bail or no further action.

  4. Rural Areas / Large Regions:
    If multiple stations exist, the detainee might be moved to a station with a suitable custody suite. You might have to systematically call multiple stations or rely on a solicitor’s knowledge of typical locations.


11. Additional Tips

  • Stay Calm and Courteous: Police staff are more cooperative if you remain polite.

  • Keep Organized Information: The suspect’s full name, date of birth, last known location, and approximate time of potential arrest.

  • Try Not to Overwhelm 999: For non-emergencies, stick to 101 or station direct lines. 999 is for emergencies only.

  • Solicitor Engagement: If you strongly suspect they’re arrested and you can’t confirm via phone, instruct a solicitor who can contact the police on your behalf.


12. Frequently Asked Questions

  1. If the police say they can’t confirm or deny someone is in custody, does that mean they aren’t there?
    Not necessarily. It might mean data protection rules stop them from sharing certain details, or it’s an ongoing sensitive investigation.

  2. What if I believe they’re at a station, but the station denies knowledge?
    They could have been taken to another station or might not have arrived yet. Consider waiting or contacting a solicitor to check further.

  3. Is there a centralised database I can search?
    Generally no. The UK doesn’t provide a public database of who’s in custody. 101 or contacting local stations is the main route.

  4. Can the suspect themselves call me after being arrested?
    They can request to inform someone of their arrest. However, the police often control or monitor phone usage. They might only get one call or the police may do it on their behalf.

  5. Can I bring them clothes, medication, or essentials if I find out they’re in custody?
    Typically, yes, you can bring necessary items, but the custody officer decides which items are permissible. Always ask the station about their policy before dropping items off.


13. Conclusion

Finding out if someone has been arrested in the UK can feel like detective work itself. Start with the local police station, use 101, remain courteous, and provide as many identifying details as possible. The police’s ability to confirm or deny might be limited by data protection rules or investigative needs, but persisting politely, seeking help from a solicitor, and systematically checking relevant stations usually yields an answer.

Once you confirm the arrest, you can either supply them with a solicitor’s details or push for further information about bail or an upcoming court appearance. Understanding the system—how custody works, why the police might withhold info, and how to politely but firmly ask the right questions—goes a long way toward navigating the uncertainty of a friend or loved one’s arrest.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

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