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What to do if…
police tell you that you are under arrest

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Stay physically calm, keep your hands visible, and do not run or resist. At the first opportunity, ask for free legal advice before deciding whether or how to answer questions about the suspected offence.

Do not do these things

  • Do not run, pull away, threaten anyone, or physically resist.
  • Do not reach into a pocket or bag without first telling the officer.
  • Do not try to argue the whole case during the arrest.
  • Do not guess, speculate, or agree with details you do not understand.
  • Do not sign a statement, consent form, or other document you do not understand.
  • Do not delete messages, hide property, or ask anyone to alter their account.
  • Do not assume that requesting a solicitor makes you look guilty.

What to do now

  1. Stop moving, keep your hands where officers can see them, and follow clear safety instructions. Tell the officer before reaching for identification, medication, or another item.
  2. Listen to what the officer says about the arrest. If you did not hear or understand the reason, calmly ask them to repeat it and explain any caution.
  3. Tell the officer promptly about any injury, illness, pregnancy, prescribed medication, severe distress, disability, or communication difficulty. Ask for medical help if you feel unwell.
  4. At the first opportunity, say: “I want free legal advice before answering questions about the suspected offence.” At the police station, ask custody staff to contact your own solicitor or arrange an available solicitor.
  5. Give your basic identity details when asked. Before discussing what allegedly happened, ask to speak privately with the solicitor and follow their advice about answering questions.
  6. Ask for someone to be told where you are. Ask for an interpreter, communication assistance, an accessible notice of your rights, or appropriate-adult or other support if you need it.
  7. When belongings are taken from you, ask what has been recorded and calmly point out any obvious error. Tell custody staff immediately if you need medication or another urgent health item.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether the arrest was lawful, make a complaint, prepare a full defence, explain everything to family or work, or post about the incident online. Questions about release, bail, charges, court, seized property, and later representation can wait until you have spoken with a solicitor.

Important reassurance

Being arrested is not the same as being convicted. Requesting legal advice is a normal safeguard, and you can ask for it even if you initially declined it.

Scope note

This guide covers the first safe steps from arrest into police custody. Arrest and custody rules differ between England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and specialist legal advice may be needed for later decisions.

Important note

This is general legal information, not legal advice. Follow urgent safety instructions from officers and obtain advice from an independent solicitor about your circumstances.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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