Say nothing beyond what's below until you've spoken to a solicitor. This applies whether or not you've done anything wrong — it is standard, universal advice, and asking for it is never treated as suspicious. Staying silent cannot be used to suggest guilt. Anything you do say, including casual or off-the-record remarks, can be noted and used later — so the safest position is to wait for legal advice before answering any substantive question, even if you're asked informally or "just for background."

Always ask for a solicitor — do this immediately and don't be talked out of it. It's free, independent of the police, and available whether you can afford it or not: call the Solicitor Contact Line or ask for one by name. You're entitled to a private consultation before, and if you ask, during any interview. Don't be drawn into "just a quick chat" first — get advice before you say anything, not after.

You can ask police to tell one named person where you are. For under-18s this happens automatically. This may be delayed only in limited, serious circumstances, and you must be told if that happens.

Under the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016, police can detain you for questioning for up to 12 hours, extendable once by a senior officer for a further 12 hours (24 hours total). After that you must be released or charged. If charged and kept in custody, you must normally be brought to court on the next court day (not weekends or public holidays). Under terrorism powers, different limits apply.

You must give your name, address, date of birth, place of birth and nationality when a constable asks for them during detention — refusing or lying about these specific details, without reasonable excuse, is itself an offence. Beyond that one limited duty, you don't have to explain yourself, answer questions, or account for your movements before getting legal advice. Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and don't resist physically even if you disagree with what's happening — challenge it afterwards, through a solicitor or complaint, not in the moment.