Police Cells

Being in the police cells is terrible. It is regarded as worse than being in prison by criminals and my own experiences have been bad. This means microwaved meals, boredom and all your requests being denied or answered VERY SLOWLY. So just relax and be patient once you’re locked up and you should be fine. There will be a mattress and a toilet and you will most likely be on your own. Remember to remain patient and calm throughout your stay in the police cell. Do not be frustrated and be ready for a long stay. The police will always try and make your stay uncomfortable and although you ask for your needs to be fulfilled they will take their time. Iyts best to keep in mind that a UK cell isn’t as bad as one in say Libya or Cairo and that you have a way out of that cell as long as you remain calm. If on a large protest it will take quite a while for the bureacracy to tick over to respond to any requests.

The worst thing about detention on a protest is that it is likely to be on a Saturday which means you could be held until the Monday in a police cell before you face the court. In other cases your solicitor may be able to negotiate your release on bail or even your dearrest but be ready for your patience to be your strongest weapon.