Policing.uk
Review of detention
- Custody
A formal periodic examination of the grounds for continued detention. Under PACE, the first review must take place no later than six hours after detention was first authorised, the second review no later than nine hours after the first, and subsequent reviews at intervals of not more than nine hours. Reviews are conducted by a review officer of at least inspector rank, who is independent of the investigation.
In practice
The detainee or their solicitor may make representations at each review. The review officer must consider whether the grounds for detention are still met and whether anything can be done to expedite the investigation. Reviews may be conducted by telephone or video link where the review officer is not at the custody suite, subject to conditions in Code C.
Last updated 24 September 2026