If you’re under 18, the police have to try to contact your parent, guardian, or carer. They must also find an ‘appropriate adult’ to come with you to the station and be there during questioning and searches. After you’re arrested and before you’re questioned, you have to be told about your right to free legal advice. You can ask for the police station’s ‘duty solicitor’ – they’re free, available 24/7, and independent from the police.

An appropriate adult can be:

• your parent
• your guardian or carer
• a social worker
• another family member or friend aged 18 or over

There are limits on how long the police can keep you at the station before charging you. You can be held for 24 hours if the police think you committed an offence. They can add another 12 hours if they think it was a serious offence. Sometimes, but not often, the police ask the court if they can keep you for longer.

If you are 14 or younger, your parent or guardian must agree before the police take your photograph or fingerprints.

If you are 15 or 16, both you and your parent or guardian must agree.

If you are over 16, the police can take your photograph even if you don’t agree. They can also take your fingerprints without your consent if they need this for their investigation.