Five Things To Know When In Police Detention

I'm in police custody, what happens next?

You have been arrested and is now in police custody. Keep calm and here are a few things you should remember when you're in the lockup.

1. Your right to consult a lawyer

• You have a right to consult your lawyer at the Police Station.
• You must be given a reasonable time period and proper facilities for you to meet and consult your lawyer.
• This right can only be denied if the delay in questioning you may cause another crime to happen or danger to others.

2. Your personal belongings

• The Police must record details of your personal belongings and put them in safe custody.
• Always check the details before signing off on them.
• Your personal belongings must be returned after you are released.

3. Your clothing

• You are allowed to have one set of clothing with you in the lock-up.
• You can't bring anything else inside the lockup except for the clothes you're wearing.

4. Your welfare in detention

• You're allowed to take a bath two times a day.
• You have the right to receive immediate medical attention if you are sick.
• You must be given adequate food and water.

5. How long can you be detained?

• The Police can only detain you for up to 24 hours for investigations.
• The Police are under duty to complete investigations within 24 hours and to release you as soon as possible.
• They must bring you before a Magistrate for a remand order to extend your detention beyond 24 hours** (Section 117 Criminal Procedure Code).

**If you are arrested on a weekly holiday (e.g. Saturday), your detention will not be counted as exceeding 24 hours when the police brings you before the Magistrate on Monday (Section 54(c) Interpretation Act 1967).

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