• Stay calm and collected.
• Remember that being arrested does not mean you will be charged, let alone convicted.

Being arrested:

• The police should caution you and inform you that you have been arrested.
• The police must tell you the crime they think you have committed
• They may use reasonable force to arrest you, therefore do not resist arrest. They may use handcuffs
• You will be interviewed by the police.

At the police station:

• You have the right to inform someone about your arrest. You may want your solicitor to contact your family if you feel speaking to them will leave you or them distressed.
• You have the right to legal advice.
• It’s advised you contact a solicitor at the first opportunity before speaking to the police.
• You should comply with requests to take your DNA and photos but be aware that these could become public.
• You don’t have to remove your hijab for photos.

• Remain calm and courteous.
• Request the support of a solicitor you trust and follow his/her professional advice
• Remain cautious of “innocent” chitchat that could be used to profile you.
• Use this time to rest, pray or calm your nerves.
• You can request a prayer mat and a Quran once in a cell.
• You will also receive meals at allocated times and have the right to water at anytime.

The police can only refuse your request in circumstances where the police have ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe other suspects may be informed or evidence may be interfered with.

You can be held without charge for up to 14 days if you are arrested under the Terrorism Act.

You have the right to free legal advice. The lawyers CAGE recommends all have contracts with the Criminal Defence Service and can represent you based on legal aid.  If you do not request a specific lawyer, you can still be assisted by a “duty solicitor”.

You can contact solicitors and provide them with the details of the person arrested and if known, the station they are being held. It should be noted that ONLY the person arrested can appoint the solicitor.

If you are under 18 years of age and are detained by the police then your parent or guardian should be informed. The police cannot interview you until they are present.

The exception to this is that there is “an immediate risk of harm “ to another person or serious loss/damage to property.

You have the same privileges as those under 18 years.

You may be

• released without charge or further action
• released on bail
• remanded in custody