Received a Voluntary Police Interview Letter in Kent? What to Do Before You Attend

Introduction

If you have received a letter or call from Kent Police inviting you to a voluntary police interview, you may be anxious about what happens next. A voluntary interview under caution is a formal procedure — not a casual conversation. This guide explains what the letter usually means, what to do before you attend, and how to arrange free legal advice in Kent.

Police Station Agent is a private defence website operated by Robert Cashman — NOT Kent Police. Legal services are delivered through Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).

1) What does a voluntary interview letter mean?

A voluntary police interview (sometimes called a voluntary attendance) is an interview under caution that takes place without you being under arrest. You are typically invited by letter, telephone, or email to attend a police station on a set date and time. The police caution applies: anything you say may be used in evidence.

Voluntary interviews happen at stations across Kent — including Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Dartford, Canterbury, Tonbridge and others. The letter should state the station, date, time, and often the investigating officer. If you are unsure whether attendance is mandatory, speak to a solicitor before deciding how to respond.

See our full guide: voluntary police interview advice and digital evidence in voluntary interviews.

2) What to do as soon as you receive the letter

1. Do not discuss the allegation with anyone except a solicitor — including family, colleagues, or online.
2. Note the date, time, and station on the letter. Check whether you need to confirm attendance.
3. Contact a solicitor immediately — free legal advice is available under the duty solicitor scheme for most voluntary interviews.
4. Gather basic documents the solicitor may need: the letter itself, any paperwork from police, and your own account of events (for the solicitor only).
5. Do not delay — solicitors need time to review disclosure and advise you properly before the interview.

Call 01732 247427 or see when to ask for a solicitor at a Kent police station.

3) Is a voluntary interview less serious than arrest?

No. The interview is recorded and carries the same legal weight as an interview in custody. You can be charged on the basis of what you say. Many people assume that because they are not in handcuffs the process is informal — that is a dangerous misconception.

The police may have significant evidence before inviting you. Disclosure at the interview stage may still be limited, which is one reason legal advice before you attend matters. Read risks of attending a voluntary interview alone.

4) Can I rearrange or not attend?

Failing to attend a voluntary interview without good reason can have serious consequences — the police may arrest you, obtain a warrant, or proceed with the investigation without your account. If you cannot attend on the date given, contact the investigating officer promptly and seek legal advice about rearranging.

Do not simply ignore the letter. See police warrant or arrest in Kent — what to do if you are concerned about failure to attend.

5) What happens at the interview?

You will be cautioned, the interview will be audio and video recorded, and questions will be put about the allegation. Your solicitor can request disclosure beforehand, advise you in private, and sit with you throughout. Options include answering questions, making no comment, or reading a prepared statement — advice depends on the individual case.

See no comment interview advice and PACE Code C explained.

6) Free legal advice for voluntary interviews in Kent

Legal advice at the police station under Legal Aid is free for most people being interviewed — voluntary or in custody. It is not means-tested at this stage. Your solicitor is independent of the police.

Robert Cashman attends voluntary interviews across Kent through Tuckers Solicitors LLP. Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor when you call. See is police station legal advice really free in Kent?

7) After the interview

Common outcomes include no further action, release under investigation, police bail with conditions, or charge. Each has different implications. See no further action after a police interview and RUI explained in plain English.

8) Preparing with your solicitor before the interview date

Good preparation starts days before attendance, not in the waiting area. Your solicitor will usually want the invitation letter, any police correspondence, and your own chronological account of events — shared only with the solicitor, not with police or witnesses. They may ask about potential witnesses, documents, phone records, or CCTV that could support your account or explain context.

Disclosure before a voluntary interview is often limited, but your solicitor can still request sufficient detail to advise on interview strategy. That may include whether to answer questions, make no comment under legal advice, or read a prepared statement. There is no universal correct approach — it depends on disclosure, evidence strength, and the allegation.

See digital evidence in voluntary interviews and prepared statements at the police station.

9) Kent stations commonly used for voluntary interviews

Voluntary interviews are scheduled at stations across the county. Common locations include Maidstone (Palace Avenue — custody closed but interviews continue), Sevenoaks, Dartford, Gravesend, Canterbury, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and Swanley. The letter should name the station and time. If it does not, ask police for written confirmation before attending.

Arrive in good time. Bring photo ID if requested. Do not bring witnesses into the interview room. Your solicitor attends with you — not family members or friends.

10) What not to do before a voluntary interview

• Do not contact the complainant or alleged witness
• Do not post about the case on social media
• Do not discuss the allegation in detail with colleagues or neighbours
• Do not assume the interview is informal because you are not in handcuffs
• Do not attend without having spoken to a solicitor first

Police may have substantial evidence before inviting you. The voluntary process is still a formal investigation step. See risks of attending alone.

11) Frequently misunderstood points about voluntary interviews

Many people believe that because they are not under arrest, they can leave at any time or that the interview is informal. While you may technically be free to leave in some voluntary attendances, doing so without good reason can lead to arrest. The caution applies. The recording is permanent. Treat every voluntary interview with the same seriousness as custody.

Another misconception is that going alone and "telling your side" will clear matters up quickly. Police may already hold significant evidence. Your account in interview becomes evidence that cannot easily be withdrawn. Early legal advice helps you understand what is at stake before you speak.

Related guides in Kent

• Is Police Station Legal Advice Free in Kent?
• Police Station Rep Near Me in Kent
• Maidstone Voluntary Interviews (Custody Closed)
• Canterbury Custody Legal Advice
• Sevenoaks Voluntary Interview Advice
• Folkestone Custody Legal Advice
• Qualified Duty Solicitor vs Police Station Rep
• Police Warrant or Arrest in Kent
• No Further Action After Police Interview
• North Kent (Gravesend) custody advice
• Tonbridge custody and interviews
• Medway custody legal advice
• Kent custody after arrest
• Released under investigation (RUI)
• When to ask for a solicitor
• Arrange a solicitor in custody
• Immediate family instruction

Conclusion

If you have received a voluntary interview letter in Kent, arrange legal advice before you attend. Call 01732 247427 or text 07535 494446. Ask for Robert Cashman, Tuckers Duty Solicitor. Do not discuss the allegation until you have spoken to a solicitor.

Sources

• GOV.UK — If you're arrested: your rights
• PACE 1984, section 58 — right to legal advice
• SRA register — Tuckers Solicitors LLP (127795)
• Voluntary police interview advice (Police Station Agent)
• Risks of attending alone (Police Station Agent)
• Contact (Police Station Agent)

General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).