What does IDCOPPLAN refer to in the arrest checklist?

The arrest checklist requires the officer to explain the necessity for the arrest by reference to IDCOPPLAN — the necessity criteria under PACE s.24. The individual criteria are not spelled out in this checklist.

When does the PACE clock start?

Per the custody checklist, “PACE clock starts” is the final booking-in step — after the detainee is presented to the custody officer, the grounds for arrest are stated, detention is authorised, rights are given, and the risk assessment is completed.

Arrest & Custody

The arrest, custody-booking and evidence-continuity checklist — the caution wording, the necessity requirement, a detainee's rights and the PACE clock — an officer quick-reference cited to PACE 1984.

Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).

Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team

Last reviewed: 25 August 2026 · Next review due: 25 February 2027

Reviewed by BlueLineHub Editorial

What must an officer do when making an arrest and booking a detainee into custody?

The arrest checklist requires the officer to identify themselves as a police officer, state clearly that the person is under arrest and the offence for which they are being arrested, give the caution (“You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”), explain the necessity for the arrest by reference to IDCOPPLAN, search the person if necessary under s.32 PACE, handcuff if necessary and proportionate, and note the time of arrest.

On arrival at the police station the detainee is presented to the custody officer with the grounds for arrest; the custody officer authorises detention; the detainee is informed of their rights — legal advice, someone informed, and a copy of the Codes; a risk assessment is completed; property is searched and logged; DNA and fingerprints are taken if applicable; and the PACE clock starts.

All operational references

A reference to the arrest checklist, the custody-booking checklist and the evidence-handling checklist, with the caution wording and the rights a detainee must be given. It is educational reference, not tactical guidance — follow your force policy, training and current law.

Arrest checklist

Steps to follow when making a lawful arrest.

Identify yourself as a police officer (show warrant card if not in uniform)
State clearly that you are arresting them
State the offence for which they are being arrested
Caution them: “You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”
Explain the necessity for the arrest (IDCOPPLAN)
Search the person if necessary (s.32 PACE)
Handcuff if necessary and proportionate
Note the time of arrest

Custody checklist

Procedure on arrival at the custody suite.

Present detainee to the custody officer
State the grounds for arrest to the custody officer
Custody officer authorises detention
Detainee informed of rights: legal advice, someone informed, copy of Codes
Risk assessment completed
Property searched and logged
DNA and fingerprints taken if applicable
PACE clock starts

Evidence checklist

Handling and preserving evidence at the scene.

Seize exhibits at the scene
Bag and label immediately
Assign unique exhibit reference (officer initials + number)
Start continuity log
Store securely
Photograph in situ before moving
Avoid contamination — wear gloves, do not handle unnecessarily

Procedure cards

The same provisions, reproduced verbatim from the PACE Codes and Act sections, laid out in procedure order.

Arrest: the power and the necessity test (Code G) →

Frequently asked

What is the exact wording of the caution given on arrest?: “You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.” This is given after stating the fact of the arrest and the offence.
What does IDCOPPLAN refer to in the arrest checklist?: The arrest checklist requires the officer to explain the necessity for the arrest by reference to IDCOPPLAN — the necessity criteria under PACE s.24. The individual criteria are not spelled out in this checklist.
When does the PACE clock start?: Per the custody checklist, “PACE clock starts” is the final booking-in step — after the detainee is presented to the custody officer, the grounds for arrest are stated, detention is authorised, rights are given, and the risk assessment is completed.