Perry Barr Police Station Custody Suite Contact Number

It was a Tuesday night, around 11 PM, and my friend Dave had managed to lose his phone, his wallet, and his dignity in a taxi. He called me, panicked, from a payphone near Perry Barr. “I’m outside the custody suite,” he whispered, “and I think I need to call them, but I don’t have the number!” You’d think finding a contact number for a police station would be simple, right? Wrong. It’s one of those things you never think about until you’re shivering under a flickering streetlight.

The great “who-do-I-call” panic

Let’s be honest: nobody plans to need the Perry Barr Police Station Custody Suite contact number. It’s not a number you save in your phone next to “Mum” or “Pizza Delivery.” Until the moment you need it, you don’t realise how oddly hidden it can be. I spent ten minutes Googling “Perry Barr custody number” while Dave texted me increasingly dramatic emojis from his burner phone.

The irony is, the custody suite is literally the place you call if someone you know has been arrested—or if you’re the one in the cell and you need to speak to a solicitor. Yet, finding the right extension feels like a treasure hunt.

So, what’s the actual number?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. The main contact number for the Perry Barr Police Station, which includes the custody suite, is 0121 626 5001. But—and this is a big but—don’t just dial that and expect a human to pick up instantly. You’ll likely get the automated switchboard.

If you’re calling about someone in custody, ask for the “Custody Suite” or “Force Enquiry Centre” once you get through. Pro tip: Have the person’s name, date of birth, and the reason they were arrested handy, because the operator will ask. Yes, they will ask. And no, they won’t just tell you if someone “looks okay” over the phone.

What if you’re calling for a person in custody?

Here’s the thing: if you are the one locked in, you don’t call them—they give you a phone. But if you’re a worried parent or friend, you can ring that number and ask to speak to the custody sergeant. Just don’t expect a friendly chat. They’re busy processing people, booking them in, and dealing with everything from stolen bikes to, well, worse.

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The tone you should expect is brisk and professional, not rude. They’re not your therapist—they’re the gatekeepers. Be polite, and they’ll help you. Be a pain, and you’ll be left on hold forever. (I learned this the hard way when I tried to joke about Dave’s taxi incident.)

Why is this number so hard to find online?

You’d think Google would just hand it over, but no—most official sites bury the custody number under layers of “Contact Us” and “Alternative Numbers.” It’s like the station doesn’t want you to call. (Ironic, right? It’s a police station!)

On the West Midlands Police website, the custody suite is listed under “Station Enquiries” but the direct line isn’t usually publicised for security reasons. Totally fair, but also maddening when you’re trying to find out if your mate is still wearing his ugly Christmas jumper in a cell.

Three scenarios where you’ll need this number

1. You’re a frantic parent whose 19-year-old was arrested at a protest or a pub brawl. You need to know if they’ve been processed and when they’ll be released. 2. You’re a solicitor, or you’ve hired one, and need to coordinate a visit. 3. You’re my friend Dave, who locked himself out of his own car and somehow ended up in a custody suite as a witness. (Don’t ask—it’s a long story.)

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In all cases, don’t call 999 for custody inquiries. That’s for emergencies. Use 101 or the direct line. The custody team will thank you—silently, of course.

A humble plea from someone who’s been through it

If you ever need to call Perry Barr custody, write the number down now. Tape it to your fridge. Put it in your phone contacts under “Just in Case.” Because when you’re in a panic, the last thing you want is to scroll through six pages of search results while your friend is trying to describe the “weird smell” in the holding cell.

Fun fact I learned that night: The custody suite at Perry Barr is one of the busiest in Birmingham. It handles everything from minor disorder to major crimes. So your call might not be answered on the first ring. Be patient. And maybe bring a snack—waiting on hold feels longer when you’re stressing.

So, the next time you’re in a pickle—or you get a panicked text from a Dave—just remember: 0121 626 5001, ask for the custody suite, and breathe. And if you’re the one inside, well… at least you know they have a phone.