How to Write a Proper Police Station Attendance Note
How to structure a UK police station attendance note: references, disclosure, advice, interview, outcome and billing.
How to Write a Proper Police Station Attendance Note
Last updated: 27 June 2026
In short
A proper attendance note records the references (UFN, DSCC, custody number), the type of attendance, disclosure, the consultation, an interview summary, the outcome and your time. Write it for someone who wasn't at the station. Months later, that's often a billing clerk or the advocate at court.
Core sections
Start with the client's identity and the instructing firm. Summarise disclosure objectively, and keep the police account separate from your client's instructions. Record your advice in plain terms and note the interview strategy chosen.
After the interview, record the outcome precisely: NFA, bail with the date and conditions, RUI, or charge with the court date. Break down the time spent on travel, waiting, consultation and interview for LAA or private billing.
Related pages
FAQ
How long should an attendance note be?
Long enough to be useful. For a standard interview attendance that's usually several pages. A short note that leaves out material facts creates risk at audit and in court.
This article is general information for criminal defence professionals in England and Wales. It isn't legal advice on any specific case. Get advice on your own circumstances.
Structured notes with Custody Note
Custody Note is desktop software for criminal defence work. Its attendance notes work offline, with fields for LAA claims, PDF export and the same structure every time. Download free.
Note: General information for criminal defence practitioners in England and Wales. It isn't legal advice.