Blackstone's Police Station Handbook

Attendance at a UK police station requires representatives to respond to unexpected and rapidly changing events at very short notice. It is a frequent occurrence that a representative will be sent to a station to attend for a single matter but, by the time of their arrival, the client may have been arrested with new offences. This is a stressful situation requiring police station representatives to have law, practice, and procedure at their fingertips so that they can respond immediately and in a manner that represents the best interests of their client.

Blackstone's Police Station Handbook provides indispensable and complete coverage of all aspects of a client's matter during the pre-charge and investigatory period. In particular, it focuses on the numerous substantive and procedural matters that may arise at short notice with an emphasis on the client, the representative and the defence. It provides detailed guidance on matters such as PACE interviews not dealt with by a police officer, dealing with vulnerable clients and funding, as well as providing extensive guidance on offences and procedural issues that are likely to arise at the police station. Unusually amongst titles on police station work, this book is written by and for legal practitioners and will be particularly valued by those who are newly qualified or who are probationary representatives.

Blackstone's Police Station Handbook uses a similar format to Blackstone's Magistrates' Court Handbook with an easy-to-use layout, facilitating quick reading and instant decision-making. Diagrams, flowcharts, and a clear system of icons aid comprehension and speedy navigation. It also includes cross-references to Blackstone's Criminal Practice.

Anthony Edwards, Senior Partner, TV Edwards,Matthew Hardcastle, Solicitor, TV Edwards

Anthony Edwards is a consultant with TV Edwards LLP Solicitors, a duty solicitor, a supervisor for the specialist fraud panel and a higher courts advocate (Criminal Courts). He has served at almost every level of committee in the criminal justice system and is currently a member of the Council of Justice, of the editorial board of Criminal Law Review, a visiting professor at Queen Mary University of Londond and a member of the Law Commission's advisory group on criminal law. He is also one of the country's leading trainers in criminal law.


Matthew Hardcastle is a duty solicitor at TV Edwards LLP Solicitors, a Higher Court Advocate (Criminal Courts), and an Accredited Police Station Representative.