Being arrested: your rights
When you're arrested
If you’re arrested, you’ll usually be taken to a police station, held in custody in a cell and then questioned.
After you’ve been taken to a police station, you may be released or charged with a crime.
The law on being arrested is different in Scotland, different in Northern Ireland, or if you’re arrested abroad.
If you’re under 18 or a vulnerable adult
The police must find an ‘appropriate adult’ to protect your interests, rights and welfare. This includes helping you communicate, making sure you understand your rights, and checking that the police are acting fairly and respecting your rights. They cannot give you legal advice or answer questions on your behalf.
You can speak privately to your appropriate adult at any time.
You can decide whether to have your appropriate adult with you when you speak to a legal adviser.
Read more about what an appropriate adult does.
If you’re under 18
Your appropriate adult can be:
- your parent, guardian or carer
- a social worker
- another family member or friend aged 18 or over
- a member of a local scheme of trained appropriate adults
The police must also try to contact your parent, guardian or carer to let them know where you are, even if they’re not your appropriate adult.
If you’re a vulnerable adult
Your appropriate adult can be:
- a relative, guardian or someone responsible for your care
- someone who’s experienced or trained in your care
- a member of a local scheme of trained appropriate adults