Introduction
At a Kent police interview — whether in custody at Medway or Gravesend or at a voluntary station such as Maidstone — you may hear advice to answer "no comment" to questions. That is a tactical decision with serious consequences: silence can protect you, but section 34 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 may allow adverse inferences in some cases.
Read the full guide at no comment interview.
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Key takeaways
- You may answer "no comment" to any question — but silence is not always risk-free.
- Section 34 CJPOA 1994 may allow adverse inferences if you later rely on facts you did not mention when questioned.
- Common reasons for no comment: inadequate disclosure, need to investigate, or solicitor advice.
- A prepared statement may be a middle ground — see our prepared statements guide.
- Free legal advice is available at Kent police stations under PACE section 58.
When might no comment be appropriate?
Your solicitor may advise no comment when police have not disclosed enough about the allegation, when you need time to obtain evidence (CCTV, witnesses, phone records), or when questions are confusing or misleading. At Kent voluntary interviews, disclosure is often limited — legal advice before attendance is essential.
Adverse inferences
Section 34 CJPOA 1994 is complex. The court or jury may draw inferences that appear proper from failure to mention facts when questioned under caution, if it was reasonable to mention them. See our adverse inference guide.
Prepared statements as an alternative
A prepared statement puts key facts on record while you answer no comment to further questions. Whether this reduces inference risk depends on the case. See prepared statements guide and Kent prepared statements article.
Related guides
- No comment interview — full UK guide (full guide)
- Adverse inference guide
- Prepared statements
- Digital evidence in interviews
Need legal advice at a Kent police station?
Call 01732 247427 for custody or a booked voluntary interview. If you cannot call, text 07535 494446.
Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).
Conclusion
This article is general information for people attending Kent police stations. For advice about your own case, speak to a qualified solicitor before interview.
Sources
- CJPOA 1994, section 34
- CPS — Adverse inference guidance
- PACE 1984, section 58
- SRA register — Tuckers Solicitors LLP (127795)
General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. While every care is taken to keep information accurate, errors may occur and the law changes. Do not rely on this page instead of advice from a qualified solicitor. If you believe something is incorrect, contact us to report a content error. Statutory references and Code C paragraphs are summarised for readability; refer to the official published versions linked above.