How long can the police hold you?
Police can normally hold you for up to 24 hours without charge. This can be extended in some cases.
- The police can normally hold you for up to 24 hours without charge.
- The 24 hours usually starts when you arrive at the police station.
- A senior officer can extend this to 36 hours for a serious offence.
- Going beyond 36 hours needs a warrant from a magistrates’ court.
- With that warrant you can be held for up to 96 hours.
- Terrorism cases follow different and longer rules.
- You do not have to answer questions at any point during this time.
- Waiting for a solicitor does not make your detention longer.
- Being released does not always mean the case is over.
- You may be released on bail with conditions.
- You may be released under investigation with no conditions and no end date.
- Keep any paperwork the police give you and keep your solicitor’s details.
This is the short and simple version.
The full page has more detail. It also shows the law each point comes from.
Checked 2026-08-26. This is information, not legal advice.