Get ready for a voluntary police interview

A voluntary interview is still a police interview under caution. It is not a casual chat. Before it starts, you should be told you can have free legal advice, including a solicitor with you. If you ask for advice, the interview should wait until that is arranged, unless a narrow exception applies. This is not the same as a free lawyer later at court.

Write down what you were told: that you are not under arrest, that you do not have to stay, and whether you have been cautioned. If you are arrested, the rules change and you should ask again for a solicitor.

Before interview, the police should give enough information about the offence so you can use your defence rights. Your solicitor uses this to advise you. You do not have to guess what the case is about.

An appropriate adult is a parent, carer or trained person who sits in to help a child or a vulnerable adult understand what is happening. An interpreter helps you understand your rights and the questions. Ask for this when you book the interview, not at the last minute.

Also bring any medicine you need, glasses, and your solicitor's name. Do not bring friends as unofficial advisers into the interview room. If the police asked for phones or documents, speak to your solicitor first.

You should be told again that this is voluntary and about free legal advice. The interview is usually recorded. You will be cautioned. After the interview the police may let you leave, arrest you, or tell you about a later decision. Ask for it in writing if you can.

Options can include answering questions, reading a short written statement, or making no comment. That choice is yours with advice on the day. This checklist does not tell you to stay silent or to answer.

Police Station Agent is a solicitor website. We cannot take a crime report or tell you a custody number. If someone is already in custody, ask the station desk for a solicitor by name.