I'm sure that they let him call around for a lawyer, etc.

it's just that the cops KNOW that the jailed guy won't get any legal representation for two to three days.

So, the cops have plausible denial. They didn't stop him from seeking legal counsel. But, having no legal counsel, they could keep him in jail, whereas a lawyer probably could have got him sprung almost immediately.

I'm sure that they let him call around for a lawyer, etc.

it's just that the cops KNOW that the jailed guy won't get any legal representation for two to three days.

So, the cops have plausible denial. They didn't stop him from seeking legal counsel. But, having no legal counsel, they could keep in jail, whereas a lawyer probably could have got him sprung almost immediately.