A person who is arrested can be given bail before they arrive at a police station. This is called ‘street bail’.
The arresting officer must give the person a ‘bail notice’ which states that they must return to a specified police station, on a specific date and time.
Officers can impose conditions where necessary to:
- Ensure the suspect surrenders to custody
- Prevent the suspect from committing offences while on bail
- Prevent the suspect from interfering with witnesses, or
- For the child's own welfare
If the police give ‘street bail’ to a child, they should take into account the child’s welfare and should make telephone contact with the parent or carer as soon as possible after street bail is granted.