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Detention and custody

Detention and custody — Authorised Professional Practice

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Summary

The Detention and Custody Authorised Professional Practice module outlines the framework for managing detainees in police custody. This includes protocols for arrest and detention, the use of force, care for detainees—especially children and young persons—risk assessments, and the facilities used for detention. The guidance aggregates prior knowledge, existing legislation, and expert consensus, aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of detainees while meeting legal obligations. Key areas addressed include custody management, detainee care, control and restraint measures, and procedures for handling serious incidents such as deaths in custody.

Key principles

  • 1Management of detainees should prioritize safety and well-being.
  • 2All interactions must be legally justified and properly documented.
  • 3There's a duty of care towards special populations, like minors.
  • 4Risk assessments are essential for all detainees.
  • 5Facilities must meet required standards for detainee treatment.

Defined terms

ACPO
Association of Chief Police Officers
TACT
Terrorism Act 2000

Full guidance

Arrest and detention, use of force, detainee care, including children and young persons, risk assessment and buildings and facilities

This page is from APP, the official source of professional practice for policing.

The Detention and Custody Authorised Professional Practice module has been developed through the consolidation of pre-existing guidance\*, current legislation and consensus of expert opinion. Where the guidance draws on any empirical evidence it is explicitly referenced in the text.

\*Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) (2012) Guidance on the Safer Detention and Handling of Persons in Police Custody (second edition). This document was formally decommissioned on 22 October 2012.

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Reproduced from the College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice under the Open Government Licence v3.0, as captured on 2026-06-27. APP is amended over time — check the source link below for the current version. This is a reference, not operational authorisation.

APP is the authoritative source for UK policing practice and is updated over time. For the current, official version — including any operational detail not reproduced here — go direct.

Read the full APP guidance

Source: College of Policing — Authorised Professional Practice · Crown copyright, licensed under Open Government Licence v3.0. Summary fetched 2026-06-27.