Is it standard procedure for police to take clothing when arrested?
Anyone who is arrested (for whatever reason) has to surrender items of clothing that may be used to cause self-harm – that’s anything from shoe/boot laces & belts – to coats and scarves. As for the phone call – in the UK it’s MANDATORY to give the arrested person the opportunity to contact someone to let them know what’s happened AND legal representation – unless the person refuses this ! Remember – if she’d not been drunk – she’d not have been arrested !
I have not heard of police removing complete clothing from a suspect arrested for drunk, yes it is standard procedure to remove belt and shoe laces as a precaution to possible suicide attempt, also it would have to be female police officers, the paper suit you mention can just as easily be used to try and commit suicide, these suits are usually reserved for suspects concerned in offences where their clothing is needed for either forensics or because they fit the description provided by a witness. Once you have been arrested you are taken to a police station. At the police station you have a number of rights that include: Not to be held for more than 24 hours without being charged. The police can apply for longer periods if they need more time. This can be up to 96 hours if approval from a magistrates’ court is granted Seeing a solicitor who will be provided free of charge Your family or next of kin to be informed of your location The police code of practise to be made available to you.
