The police officer who arrests a person must give that person a written statement explaining how to apply for bail and must take reasonable steps to see that the person understands his or her rights and that the person's bail application is properly received. This must be done as soon as possible after the person is brought to the police station [Bail Act 1985 s.13].

An application for bail is made on a simple, easy to fill out form which is available in both police stations and courts. The bail authority (that is, the court or person to whom the application is made) can allow an application to be made in some other way (for example, someone who has any difficulty completing the form can ask to make the application orally). A child under 18 years can be assisted by a parent or guardian to make this application. The police must give as much assistance as is reasonably required to anyone in their custody..