Detention clock

Custody

The running time limit that governs how long a person may be detained without charge. Under PACE, the basic period is 24 hours from the relevant time (normally when the detainee arrives at the custody suite). This may be extended to 36 hours by a superintendent and to a maximum of 96 hours by a magistrates' court warrant of further detention.

In practice

The relevant time is carefully defined in PACE and is not always the time of arrest. Custody officers must diarise key review and detention limit deadlines at the outset. Once the clock expires, the detainee must be released or charged. Any detention beyond the authorised period is unlawful.

Related terms

Custody officer
Review of detention
Superintendent authorisation
Magistrates' warrant of further detention

Last updated 24 September 2026