After arrest
Question
If a person is under arrest, how long do they have to wait before being allowed to talk to a family member?
Answer
Whether you're entitled to talk to a family member will depend on your age. If you're 17 or under then you are classed as a juvenile. This means you are entitled to the presence of an appropriate adult or family member during any interview.
If you are over 17, you are classed as an adult. Even so, under section 56 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) you are still entitled to contact one person at the earliest and most realistic opportunity. So, if you want to contact a family member, that's fine.
This request can only be refused if the police believe that such contact could lead to evidence being tampered with, stolen property removed, or there are drug trafficking issues. This sort of delay can only be authorised by an inspector or more senior officer.
Updated: 15/04/2010
Question answered by CAB
