Youth Offending Service - a guide for young people

If you are arrested, you will be taken to the nearest police station. The police must try to contact your parents/carers.

If you are 17 years old or under, you will be supported by an adult while at the police station. This is called an ‘Appropriate Adult’. This could be your parent/carer. If they are not available, it could be Youth Offending Team Officer. They are trained to support you.

If the Police interview you, you have the right to a solicitor. They have a duty to give you free, confidential legal advice. The make sure the police apply the law correctly and fairly. Your Appropriate Adult will also be with you to support you during the interview. They cannot give legal advice.

Here is a video about what happens at the police station, created by Just for Kids Law:

If the Police proceed with action while at the Police Station:

• You could be released under investigation. If the police give you bail, it means you might have to meet certain conditions and given a date to return to the police station.
• For less serious crimes, you might not have to go to court. Instead, the outcome will be decided by the police and the YOS.
• This is called ‘Out of Court Disposal’ and you are normally only eligible for this if you have taken responsibility for the crime.
• For serious crimes, you may be held at the police station until you can be taken to court.