Policing.uk
Charge
- Custody
The formal allegation by which a suspect is told that they are accused of a specific criminal offence and brought before a court. Under the Director's Guidance, for all but the most minor offences, the decision to charge is made by the Crown Prosecution Service. The suspect is charged at the custody suite and must then be produced before a magistrates' court at the first available opportunity.
In practice
Once charged, the detainee must be released on bail or remanded in custody. The charge must be put in writing, a copy given to the detainee, and a statement read to them. The custody record must be updated to reflect the charge. Officers should not continue to question a charged person about the offence for which they have been charged.
Last updated 24 September 2026