An invitation to a voluntary interview from Northamptonshire Police shouldn’t be treated as a formality. You’re being interviewed as a suspect under caution, and what you say can be used as evidence, potentially shaping whether the case ends in no further action, an out-of-court disposal, or a charge.
Our Northampton office regularly represents clients at these interviews. We can get in touch with the investigating officer ahead of time, request disclosure of the case against you, and advise you on your best approach before you go in. Find out more about voluntary interviews under caution.
Preparing You for a Voluntary Police Interview
We contact the officer dealing with your case ahead of the interview and seek disclosure including the detail of the allegation, whether witnesses have given statements, and what other evidence, such as CCTV or forensics, the police hold. This puts our clients in a far better position than attending the interview without knowing what they’re facing.
We’ll then take you through the disclosure privately, get your full account, and agree together on the best way to handle the questions you’ll be asked.
Three strategies for a Northamptonshire Police interview
Full comment. Answering every question can be the most direct way to deny an allegation, though it brings risk as inconsistent or unconvincing answers can undermine an otherwise strong position.
No comment. Sometimes it’s in your interests to say nothing at all where there’s no credible account to give, or where the risks of speaking outweigh the benefits.
Prepared statement. We often draft a written statement that sets out a client’s account clearly, without opening the door to detailed questioning on points that don’t help their case.
Representation Across Northamptonshire
Our Northampton office represents clients attending voluntary interviews across the county.
Northampton Criminal Justice Centre
700 Pavilion Drive, Northampton Business Park, Northampton NN4 7SL
Weekley Wood Justice Centre
Cherryhall Road, North Kettering Business Park, Kettering NN14 1UE
Frequently Asked Questions
For an arrest to be lawful, it must be considered necessary. This will often be the case where evidence needs to be obtained from a suspect’s property or seized from a suspect. If the alleged offence took place some time ago, or there is no longer a need to seize evidence, a voluntary interview may be offered instead.
In short, no. The fact that a voluntary interview has been offered does not mean that the allegation is minor or that the police do not have sufficient evidence. It usually means that the police do not consider an arrest necessary.
The police may attend your address to contact you about a voluntary interview. If they are unable to reach you, they may instead contact you by post.
After the interview, the police officer will decide whether any further investigation is needed or whether a charging decision should be sought from an Evidential Review Officer or the Crown Prosecution Service.
We will consider whether any positive action can be taken to advance your position and reduce the risk of a charge. This may include compiling evidence in support of your defence and submitting it to the police with written representations. A proactive approach can sometimes play a crucial role in avoiding a prosecution.
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