Police custody (detention)

Police custody is the temporary deprivation of an arrested person's liberty, ordered by the prosecutor where necessary for the investigation. The measure requires both its necessity for the investigation and concrete evidence indicating the suspicion of an offence.

Custody is subject to statutory maximum periods running from the moment of apprehension, with limited extensions available in collective offences upon the prosecutor's order. The person is informed of their rights, relatives are notified and access to defence counsel is provided. An application may be made to the criminal judgeship of peace against the apprehension and custody to secure release.

At the end of the period the person is either released or brought before a judge with a request for pre-trial detention or judicial control. Unlawful custody is among the grounds expressly regulated for compensation claims against the state. The presence of counsel during statements taken in custody is the most critical safeguard in practice.