Street bail

ss.30A–30DPolice and Criminal Evidence Act 1984

Lets a constable release a person arrested away from a police station on bail, before they reach a station, with a requirement to attend a police station later and, if needed, bail conditions.

Street bail · Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.30A–30DCard 15 / 59

When you can use it

s.30A(1)The person was arrested by a constable for an offence, or taken into custody by a constable after a non-constable's arrest, somewhere other than a police station
s.30A(2)Release happens before the person arrives at a police station
s.30A(1A)(a)The constable is satisfied bail is necessary and proportionate in all the circumstances, having regard to any conditions to be imposed
s.30A(1B)In deciding this, the constable considers surrender to custody, preventing offending, safeguarding victims and witnesses, safeguarding the person, and managing risks to the public
s.30A(1A)(b)A custody officer authorises the bail, having considered any representations from the person
s.30A(1C)If these tests are not met, the person may instead be released without bail

What it allows

Release the person on bail at the scene, before reaching a station.
Require them to attend any police station at a set time (s.30A(3), (5)).
Impose conditions that appear necessary to secure surrender, prevent offending, prevent interference with witnesses or the course of justice, or for the person’s own protection (or, if under 18, their welfare or interests) (s.30A(3B)).
No recognizance, security or surety may be taken, and no bail hostel residence condition imposed (s.30A(3A)).

Key definitions

Bail end date – s.30B(8): the last day of the 3 months beginning with the day after the arrest. Attendance cannot be required after it.
Necessary and proportionate – s.30A(1A)–(1B): the statutory test, taking account of any vulnerabilities the constable has identified.
Release without bail – s.30(7)–(7A): mandatory where a constable is satisfied there are no grounds to keep the person under arrest.

Safeguards

Written notice before release (s.30B): the offence, the ground of arrest, and whether release is on or without bail.
For bail, it names the station, the attendance time on the bail end date, any conditions and how to vary them.
Any change of station or time must be given in writing, and cannot require attendance after the bail end date (s.30B(6)–(7)).
Conditions can be varied at the person’s request by a relevant officer at the station they must attend (s.30CA). A magistrates’ court can vary them only once a police variation request has been made (s.30CB).
If attendance is at a non-designated station, the person must be released or taken to a designated station within 6 hours of arrival (s.30C(2)).

Good to know

The Bail Act 1976 does not apply (s.30C(3)). Failing to answer street bail is not a Bail Act offence.
Instead, s.30D gives a power of arrest without warrant for failing to attend, or on reasonable grounds to suspect a breach of conditions. The person is then taken to a police station as soon as practicable.
Re-arrest for the same offence needs new evidence, or new examination or analysis of existing evidence, since release (s.30C(4)).
Custody officer authorisation, the s.30A(1B) factors and the 3-month bail end date came into force on 28 October 2022 (Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022).

Legislation: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.30A–30D (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Who can use it: A constable (with custody officer authorisation)
Last checked: 3 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Street bail: questions people ask

When can the police use street bail?

1. The person was arrested by a constable for an offence, or taken into custody by a constable after a non-constable's arrest, somewhere other than a police station 2. Release happens before the person arrives at a police station 3. The constable is satisfied bail is necessary and proportionate in all the circumstances, having regard to any conditions to be imposed 4. In deciding this, the constable considers surrender to custody, preventing offending, safeguarding victims and witnesses, safeguarding the person, and managing risks to the public 5. A custody officer authorises the bail, having considered any representations from the person 6. If these tests are not met, the person may instead be released without bail

Who can use street bail?

A constable (with custody officer authorisation)

What law gives the power for street bail?

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, ss.30A–30D.

More powers of arrest

All powers of arrest