Voluntary Interviews

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What Is Voluntary Interview?

It is a common misconception that if invited in for a voluntary interview or a chat that the police are not treating the matter as seriously as if they would if you were arrested. The simple truth is that most police interviews are carried out during a person’s detention at the police station after being arrested on suspicion of committing a crime. There has been a spike in recent years in the number of ‘voluntary interviews’ sometimes called a ‘voluntary interview under caution’ or caution plus 3. It is far from a simple chat. While it may begin with a simple knock at the door or a telephone call from a police officer, you may be assured that there is nothing to worry about. However, the police will still be required to conduct a formal recorded interview in exactly the same way as if you were detained in custody.

Anything you do say during a formal interview procedure could impact on your position should you later be taken to court. Make sure you have a solicitor and feel free to contact us early so that we can advise and assist you and protect your legal rights.

After the voluntary interview, you will be ‘reported for the consideration of prosecution’ or put another way reported for the consideration of a summons. This would then involve the police lawyers, the Crown Prosecution Service assessing whether or not there is enough evidence to bring the matter to court. Your answers during your voluntary interview will form part of that evidence and often against you.