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Arrest or detention

Someone has been arrested

A person in custody has rights from the first minutes. Use the SOS to reach someone for help, and read what to say at the police station.

Emergency SOS

Call 112
Police · 100

112 is the emergency number. Ask the police station for the DLSA duty counsel — a person in custody has a right to free legal aid.

Who should be told, if you choose to send this?

Message you will send

Emergency.
Someone I know has been arrested and we need help.
Location not available.
Please contact me immediately.
Send by SMSSend on WhatsApp

Connect me to a NYAI volunteer

Queues your request for a legal-aid volunteer or DLSA operator to pick up, and alerts the NYAI staff inbox. Nothing is filed with any authority.

Nothing is sent automatically. Location not available. The video call opens a room you can send to a volunteer.

Rights on arrest

Know the grounds of arrest
The person arrested must be told why, and must be informed of the right to bail.
Inform a family member
The police must let the arrested person inform a relative or friend of the arrest and where they are being held.
A lawyer and free legal aid
The arrested person can meet a lawyer, and has a right to free legal aid. Call 15100 or ask the police station for the DLSA duty counsel.
Produced before a magistrate
Unless released on bail, the person must be brought before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest, excluding travel time.
Medical examination
A medical examination is required, and any injuries must be recorded in the arrest memorandum.

Official routes

  • EmergencyIf you or someone else is in immediate danger, call this first.112
  • Women's Helpline24-hour support, including shelter and counselling.181
  • ChildlineFor a child in danger or in need of care.1098
  • One Stop CentreMedical, legal, police, shelter and counselling support in one place.Open
  • NALSA Legal Aid HelplineFree legal aid, in your language. Ask for your District Legal Services Authority.15100
  • District Legal Services Authority (DLSA)The district office that assigns a free lawyer. Take your documents there.Open
  • CPGRAMS public grievance portalFor a complaint against a government department. You get a registration number to track it.Open