Violence and Public Order Allegations at the Police Station Stage

Introduction

Allegations involving violence or public order are often investigated at the police station. Whether the matter is treated as common assault, ABH, affray, or a public order offence such as threatening or abusive behaviour, the investigation typically involves an interview under caution. This page explains how these allegations are handled at this stage and why understanding the process matters.

How Violence and Public Order Allegations Are Investigated

When the police receive a report or evidence of violence or public order offending, they will usually gather material before speaking to the suspect. That can include witness statements, CCTV or body-worn video, medical or injury reports, and any other relevant evidence. The suspect may then be arrested and taken to a police station, or invited to attend a voluntary interview.

At the police station stage, the focus is on establishing the account of events. Officers will put the allegation to the suspect and ask questions. The interview is conducted under caution and is recorded. The purpose is to obtain an account and to test it against the evidence the police have.

Accounts and Context at Interview

Allegations involving violence or public order are often assessed at interview based on accounts and context. The police may ask about what happened, who was present, what was said, and whether there was any provocation or self-defence. They may put witness accounts or CCTV to the suspect and ask for a response.

Context matters. The same set of facts can support different legal conclusions—for example, whether an assault was committed, whether it was in self-defence, or whether a public order offence was made out. How the allegation is put, and how the suspect responds, can affect how the case is viewed by the police and later by the Crown Prosecution Service if the file is passed for a charging decision.

Disclosure and Preparation

Before interview, the police should provide sufficient disclosure to allow proper legal advice. That typically includes the nature of the allegation and the key evidence. A solicitor can review this material and advise the suspect on what the investigation appears to involve and how to approach the interview. For a summary of your rights in custody, see our dedicated page.

Legal advice does not tell the suspect what to say. It helps ensure the process is properly understood before questions are answered. That can include explaining the offence elements, the significance of the evidence, and the options in interview (for example, answering questions, giving a prepared statement, or responding with no comment in certain circumstances).

Evidence Commonly Used at This Stage

Evidence at the police station stage for violence and public order matters often includes witness statements from alleged victims or bystanders, CCTV from the scene or nearby premises, body-worn video from attending officers, and medical or injury documentation. In some cases there may be 999 call recordings or other communications.

The police are not required to disclose everything before interview, but they must provide enough information to allow meaningful legal advice. A solicitor can press for adequate disclosure and advise on how the evidence may be used during questioning.

Conclusion

Violence and public order allegations at the police station stage are investigated through gathered evidence and a formal interview under caution. Understanding how the process works, and obtaining legal advice before answering questions, helps individuals engage with the investigation in an informed way. For what may happen next, see our page on outcomes after a police interview. For a broader picture of how different allegations are handled at this stage, see our overview of types of offences commonly dealt with at the police station stage.