Custody Note vs Word and paper attendance note templates
Templates are how most of us learned to write attendance notes, and a good one still works. Here is an honest comparison from a defence solicitor who has used paper, Word and now Custody Note at the police station since 2001.
| Word template | Paper template | Custody Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free (printing aside) | Free during beta |
| Works without signal | Yes, on a laptop | Yes | Yes, fully offline |
| Prompts each section | Only if the template does | Only if the template does | Yes, section by section |
| Times recorded | Typed by hand | Written by hand | Timestamp buttons |
| Legible for the next reader | Yes | Depends on handwriting | Yes |
| Typing up afterwards | Sometimes | Usually | No: PDF export |
| Consistent across fee earners | Varies | Varies | Same structure every time |
| Data protection | Depends on device and storage | Paper must be stored securely | Encrypted on the device |
Where templates work well
A template costs nothing, needs no installation and never needs updating. If it follows the attendance (custody record, disclosure, consultation, interview, outcome) and you fill it in at the time, it will produce a complete note. If you prefer paper, use our free attendance note template (PDF and Word).
Where templates let you down
In my experience the problems are practical: times written down late or not at all, handwriting the next fee earner cannot read, sections skipped when the station is busy, and an hour of typing up at the end of a long night. None of these are failures of the template; they are what happens under pressure.
What Custody Note changes
Custody Note keeps the same structure but prompts each section, records times with a tap, works fully offline and exports a PDF before you leave the station. It is free during beta on Windows and Mac. More detail: vs Word templates and vs paper notes.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Word or paper template good enough?
It can be. A well-designed template, filled in at the time, produces a complete attendance note. The common problems are inconsistency between fee earners, handwriting, missing times and the time spent typing up afterwards.
Can I keep using my template alongside Custody Note?
Yes. Many people try the app on a few attendances while keeping their usual template as a fallback. Custody Note is free during beta.