police in the uk

Page last updated:
27 Feb 2023

It is important to know about the police in the UK; both what their responsibilities are and what rights and responsibilities you have when interacting with a police officer.

On this page you will find information about what to do if you are arrested for any reason.

How can I identify a Police Officer?

Most police officers wear a uniform; the uniforms may sometimes seem slightly different to each other, some with bright yellow reflective jackets, some without.

All police officers must carry a warrant card. This card shows their identification and tells you that they are a police officer. Officers must show this card if they are asked to. Police in Leeds do not normally carry guns.

If you are arrested, then you will be taken to a police station. You have the right to inform someone that you have been arrested. You should contact the university immediately if you are detained by the police. Telephone 0113 812 8811, Monday- Friday 09:00 -17:00.

If you are arrested for any reason

When a police officer makes an arrest, he or she is taking you under the care and control of the law. This means that for the time being you lose certain freedoms, such as to go and do as you please, but in return you are given certain rights which protect you against unreasonable treatment.

If you are arrested, you have the right to know why you have been arrested. At the police station you will be entitled to:

  • See a solicitor - Whether you are arrested or go to a police station voluntarily, you are entitled to free legal advice from a solicitor who will advise you while you are being questioned
  • Read a copy of the Codes of Practice, which explains the procedures the police should follow in such circumstances

You can be detained by the police only if they do not have enough evidence to charge you and they have good reason to believe that they can obtain further evidence. You cannot normally be held for more than 24 hours without being charged or released.

Laws on drinking and drugs

Most of the laws about alcohol are contained in the Licensing Act 2003.

Social customs and laws on drinking in public vary significantly around the world. Currently it isn’t illegal to drink in public. However, many areas have alcohol-free zones that target town centres and / or residential areas where there is a particular issue with drinking in public.

Being drunk and disorderly in a public place is illegal; although providing you don’t do any damage or give the police verbal abuse, the most they’ll usually do is take you back to the police station and put you in a cell so you can sleep it off.

The law on drugs is complex; but if you're caught with an illegal substance, ignorance is not a defence.

Maximum penalties if you are caught:

  • Class A: Seven years in prison and / or a fine for possession, life imprisonment and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply
  • Class B: Five years in prison and / or a fine for possession, 14 years in prison and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply
  • Class C: Two years in prison and / or a fine for possession, five years prison and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply

Talk to FRANK” is the national drugs helpline offering free, confidential information and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also have a useful website at www.talktofrank.com/. You can call FRANK on 0800 77 66 00 or text a question on 82111. The cost of sending a text to FRANK is the same as a standard text message, which will depend on your network tariff. Information and advice is also available via the website.

Most of the laws about alcohol are contained in the Licensing Act 2003.

Social customs and laws on drinking in public vary significantly around the world. Currently it isn’t illegal to drink in public. However, many areas have alcohol-free zones that target town centres and / or residential areas where there is a particular issue with drinking in public.

Being drunk and disorderly in a public place is illegal; although providing you don’t do any damage or give the police verbal abuse, the most they’ll usually do is take you back to the police station and put you in a cell so you can sleep it off.

The law on drugs is complex; but if you're caught with an illegal substance, ignorance is not a defence.

Maximum penalties if you are caught:

  • Class A: Seven years in prison and / or a fine for possession, life imprisonment and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply
  • Class B: Five years in prison and / or a fine for possession, 14 years in prison and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply
  • Class C: Two years in prison and / or a fine for possession, five years prison and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply

Talk to FRANK” is the national drugs helpline offering free, confidential information and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also have a useful website at www.talktofrank.com/. You can call FRANK on 0800 77 66 00 or text a question on 82111. The cost of sending a text to FRANK is the same as a standard text message, which will depend on your network tariff. Information and advice is also available via the website.

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