If the police contact you and say they want to interview you about an allegation, it can be extremely worrying. Many people immediately assume they are about to be arrested or charged. In reality, the police often invite people to attend a voluntary police interview under caution as part of an investigation.
Understanding your rights and the correct steps to take is critical. What you do before and during a police interview can have a major impact on the outcome of the investigation.
This guide explains what it means when the police want to interview you, whether you have to attend, and why speaking to a solicitor first is often the most important step you can take.
Why Do the Police Want to Interview Me?
If the police ask to interview you about an allegation, it usually means they believe you may have information about a suspected offence.
In most cases, you will be invited to attend a voluntary police interview under caution at a police station. This is a formal interview conducted as part of a criminal investigation.
Common reasons police request an interview include:
- Allegations made by another person
- Evidence linking you to an incident
- Witness statements mentioning you
- Digital evidence such as phone messages or social media
- CCTV footage
- Financial records or transaction data
Being invited for an interview does not automatically mean you will be charged, but it does mean the police consider you a suspect in an investigation.
What Is a Voluntary Police Interview?
A voluntary police interview is a formal interview under caution, usually conducted at a police station.
The police will ask questions about the allegation while recording your answers. Although it is called “voluntary,” the interview is still part of a criminal investigation.
Before the interview begins, the police will read you the standard caution:
“You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”
This means that anything you say during the interview can potentially be used as evidence later.
Do I Have to Attend a Police Interview?
If the police invite you to attend a voluntary interview, you are not under arrest and technically do not have to attend.
However, refusing to attend may lead to other consequences.
In some cases the police may:
- Rearrange the interview for another time
- Continue the investigation without your account
- Consider arresting you if they believe it is necessary
The best approach often depends on the specific circumstances of the allegation, which is why many people choose to speak with a criminal defence solicitor before making a decision.
Should I Speak to a Solicitor Before the Interview?
If the police want to interview you about an allegation, it is strongly advisable to speak to a solicitor before attending the interview.
A solicitor can:
- Contact the police on your behalf
- Obtain information about the allegation
- Advise you on the best approach to the interview
- Attend the interview with you
- Protect your legal rights during questioning
Many people make the mistake of attending a police interview alone, believing they can simply “explain what happened.” Unfortunately, answering questions without legal advice can sometimes make the situation worse.
What Happens During a Police Interview?
A voluntary police interview usually takes place in a recorded interview room at a police station.
The typical process includes:
1. Arrival at the Police Station
You will attend the police station at an arranged time. If you have a solicitor, they will normally meet you there.
2. Consultation With Your Solicitor
Before the interview begins, your solicitor will speak privately with you and discuss the allegation and possible interview strategies.
3. The Interview Under Caution
The police officer will begin recording the interview and ask questions about the alleged offence.
4. Questioning
Officers may ask about:
- Your version of events
- Your relationship with the complainant
- Where you were at the time of the alleged incident
- Messages, emails, or phone records
5. End of the Interview
Once questioning is complete, the interview will end and the police will decide on the next steps in the investigation.
Can I Be Arrested at a Voluntary Police Interview?
In most cases, if the police invite you to attend a voluntary interview, they do not intend to arrest you at that stage.
However, there are circumstances where arrest may still occur, for example if:
- New evidence emerges during the interview
- Police believe arrest is necessary for the investigation
- You fail to cooperate during the interview
This is another reason why having legal representation during the interview can be extremely important.
What Happens After a Police Interview?
After a voluntary police interview, several outcomes are possible.
No Further Action
If the police decide there is insufficient evidence, the investigation may be closed with no further action.
Released Under Investigation
In some cases, the police may continue their investigation after the interview. This is often called released under investigation (RUI).
Police Bail
You may be released on police bail while further enquiries take place.
Being Charged
If the police believe there is sufficient evidence, the case may be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider criminal charges.
The timeline for these decisions can vary from weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the investigation.
Common Mistakes People Make When Police Request an Interview
When people are contacted by the police about an allegation, they often make decisions quickly without seeking advice.
Common mistakes include:
- Attending the interview without legal representation
- Trying to explain everything immediately over the phone
- Discussing the allegation with others or on social media
- Guessing answers during the interview
- Assuming the matter is minor or informal
These mistakes can sometimes make a situation more difficult to resolve later.
What Should I Do If Police Contact Me About an Allegation?
If the police want to interview you about an allegation, the most sensible steps are:
- Stay calm and avoid discussing the allegation with others
- Do not provide a detailed statement to police immediately
- Ask for time to obtain legal advice
- Speak to a criminal defence solicitor as soon as possible
Early legal advice can help ensure you understand your rights and make informed decisions about the interview process.
Need Advice Before a Police Interview?
If the police have contacted you about an allegation or invited you to attend a voluntary police interview, obtaining legal advice as early as possible can be extremely important.
A criminal defence solicitor can explain the process, advise you on your options, and ensure your rights are protected during the investigation.
Seeking advice before attending the interview can often make a significant difference to how the situation develops
