3. Receiving a Custody Call

Arrestees have the right to have someone informed of their arrest. This may be a phone call from them directly, or a police officer may make the call on their behalf.

If you get a call from a friend in custody ask them:

• Are you OK?
• What station are you at?
• Have you got a solicitor? If they don’t, then tell them to use the one on the bustcard (you can check the bustcard for their local area here). Do not use the duty solicitor!
• Remember – No Comment to all police questions – besides name, address, and DOB – except under advice from a good solicitor.
• Is it OK to share information with GBC?
• Is there anyone else you want me to contact?
• Is anyone there with you?
• Call GBC when you get out!

Keep them talking as long as they want to – you could talk them through their rights, and what might happen next.

Please bear in mind that your call may be being listened to/recorded by the police.

If you speak to a police officer rather than directly to your friend:

• Are they OK? Do they have any injuries?
• What station are you at?
• Do they have a translator/appropriate adult (if applicable)?
• Do they have a solicitor? If so, which firm?
• Do they want me to contact anyone else?
• Are they happy to have information shared with Green and Black Cross?