The MET police conduct approximately 15,000 voluntary interviews in London each year. If the police have contacted you to request a voluntary interview, it can be an extremely stressful and worrying time, especially given that the outcome can have an enormous bearing on your career and reputation.
Reeds Solicitors are specialists in dealing with Police interviews and can provide expert guidance throughout the entire process. We believe in taking a proactive approach in dealing with police investigations and being fully prepared prior to attending any interview.
We always seek to obtain as much information as possible from the investigating officer, before the interview takes place, and fully prepare our clients with the right interview strategy.
We offer the following services on a private fixed fee basis:
- Pre-interview advice about the allegation, procedure, timeframes, interview strategy and other important considerations
- Legal representation in the voluntary interview (anywhere in London)
- Consideration of whether to submit defence evidence to the investigator and pre charge engagement assistance
- Post interview guidance and support
Reeds Solicitors is an award winning and leading top-tier criminal defence firm. If you would like advice from one of our solicitors, please contact us at voluntaryinterview@reeds.co.uk or through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373.
Why is it important to obtain disclosure before a voluntary interview with the police?
Having as much information as possible about the allegation, places you in the best possible position. Usually, the police only tell a suspect the basic offence, which is being investigated, leaving many unanswered questions. It is beneficial to know whether the police have taken formal statements, the number of witnesses and whether they have CCTV or forensic evidence. Specific details of the allegation may also jog your memory and reduce the chances of being blindsided or ambushed with evidence in the interview.
Should I answer questions in a voluntary interview with the police?
There is no one size fits all approach to Police station advice – the right approach will depend on the specific circumstances of your case and what is in your best interests. During a private consultation, we will discuss the evidence obtained from the police and take your account of what may or may not have happened. We will then be able to determine the best approach to take during the police interview.
There are three possible approaches to a police station interview:
- Answering all questions / giving a full account in a Voluntary Interview
We may advise you that it is in your interests to answer all of the questions put to you in the interview. This enables a suspect to provide a detailed explanation, which can often be the most convincing way to deny an allegation. However, the approach has some inherent risks. A suspect may give a poorly worded account or provide inconsistent answers to questions. There is also a risk of inadvertently making admissions to offences or conceding important facts, which the police would otherwise struggle to prove. - No comment in a Voluntary Police Interview
Simply put, this means that you do not answer any questions put to you in the police station interview. Typically, the words ‘no comment’ are given in answer to each question but a suspect can also remain silent throughout the interview if they prefer.
There are a number of situations where this may be the best approach. For example, if there is not a clear defence to assert or where there are risks attached to giving a particular account.
- Submitting a prepared statement
Sometimes the best approach may be to submit a written statement, which carefully outlines your account, without going into areas which do not assist you. This is an extremely effective way of avoiding the pressure of police questions, whilst ensuring that your account is put forward.
Do I need a solicitor to represent me in a voluntary interview?
Given what is at stake, we strongly recommend being represented by an experienced solicitor in a voluntary interview. The police will be considering whether to prosecute the matter in court or issue a caution, both of which will appear on DBS checks and be disclosable on visa applications. A solicitor can prepare you for the interview and make sure that the important parts of any defence are clearly put forward. We can also ensure that you are treated fairly and not placed under any undue pressure.
It is sensible to be wary of an officer who invites you into the police station ‘just for a chat’. An interview under caution only takes place when you are suspected of committing a criminal offence and anything you say in the interview can be used as evidence against you. By playing down the seriousness of the situation, the officer discourages the suspect from seeking independent legal advice.
Can I refuse to attend a voluntary interview the police?
Whilst the term ‘voluntary interview’ suggests your attendance is optional, in reality, if you refuse to attend the interview, the officer may resort to arresting you in order to ensure that an interview takes place. The police have power under s.24 of PACE to arrest someone where there are reasonable grounds to suspect the commission of an offence and the arrest is necessary for a prompt and effective investigation.
Why are the police offering me a voluntary interview, rather than arresting me?
In order for an arrest to be lawful it must be necessary. This ground can be met where there is evidence that needs to be seized from a property or directly from a suspect. If the allegation involves an historic offence or there is no need to secure particular evidence, a voluntary interview may be offered. However, being offered a voluntary interview has no bearing on the seriousness of the matter of the potential consequences.
What happens after a voluntary police interview?
After the interview, the investigation officer will decide whether to pursue any further lines of enquiry or whether to submit the matter for a charging decision. At this stage, it is often beneficial to consider whether there are any steps we can take to defend your position and reduce the likelihood of a charge. For example, it may be possible to collect defence evidence or take statements to support your account. Representations can also be submitted to the officer, making the argument that the matter should be dropped.
Why instruct reeds solicitors?
Our private crime team prides itself on offering an unrivalled level of service and expertise. We understand how stressful it is to be accused on an offence and how important it is to be responsive and empathetic. Each member our of voluntary interview has a huge amount of experience, having represented clients at police stations across London over many years.
We can normally provide a fixed fee quote to cover a pre-interview consultation as well as representation at the voluntary interview. Rest assured that we will do absolutely everything we can to secure a positive outcome for you.
Our Voluntary Police Interview Team – covering the London area
Case Studies of Voluntary Police Interviews
Case Study 1: Historic sexual assault – Charing Cross Police Station
Our client was a high profile individual, working for an international organisation. He faced an allegation of historic sexual assault against numerous complainants, which allegedly occurred during the course of his employment. It was crucial to handle this matter with a great deal of care and discretion. The police initially refused to provide detailed disclosure and as result our advice was to refuse to answer any questions. This had the desired effect of prompting full disclosure and after weighing up the best approach, our client was advised to give a full account interview, outlining his defence. After several interviews took place, the police decided to take No Further Action.
Case Study 2: Domestic assault – Islington Police Station
Our client was accused of a domestic assault against his partner. He was particularly concerned about the possible outcome of the matter, because he is employed within the finance industry in a regulated role. He denied the main aspects of the allegation but conceded that some physical contact had taken place. We advised that if he answered questions, he would likely be admitting a low-level assault, which would end in him being issued with a Caution. After weighing up the strength of the evidence, the best strategy was to put forward a prepared statement, denying the core aspects of the allegation. Our client was delighted to hear that the case was ultimately dropped.
Case Study 3: Assault – Wembley Police Station
Our client was accused of punching a bouncer, after a disagreement about entry into a nightclub. He vehemently denied the allegation, asserting that the bouncer had behaved in an unreasonable manner and that he had acted in self defence. Following the police station interview, Reeds Solicitors took witness statements from a number of people who were present and submitting representations to the officer. No further action was taken.
Testimonials
“Nathan Seymour-Hyde approached the case very professionally and covered every possible angle of it to ensure a positive result with no criminal conviction. He was amazing from beginning to end and would most definitely recommend him to anyone who found themselves in the position I did.” / Review taken from Reviewsolcitors.com
“Having never needed or used a solicitor before and with little knowledge of the legal system. I’m very fortunate to have chosen Reeds and Scott Primmer to handle my case.
Highly recommended” / Google review
“Stuart Matthews goes above and beyond and is extremely thorough, with a determination to see justice done. He has a down to earth nature which makes him very approachable. We couldn’t have been happier with our choice of solicitor.” / Googe review
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We cover the following police stations across London:
- Acton Police Station, 250 High St, London, W3 9BH
- Bethnal Green Police Station, 12 Victoria Park Square, London, E2 9NZ
- Bexleyheath Police Station, 2 Arnsberg Way, London, DA7 4QS
- Bishopsgate Police station, 182 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4NP
- Brixton Police Station, 367 Brixton Road, London, SW9 7DD
- Bromley Police Station, High Street, London, BR1 1ER
- Charing Cross Police Station, Agar Street, London, WC2N 4JP
*note this police station is the main interview centre for alleged sexual offences. We regularly represent clients at Charing Cross police station. - Chingford Police Station, Kings Head Hill, London, E4 7EA
- Colindale Police Station, Grahame Park Way, London, NW9 5TW
- Croydon Police Station, 71 Park Lane, London, CR9 1BP
- Dagenham Police Station, 561 Rainham Road South, London, RM10 7TU
- Edmonton Police Station, 462 Fore Street, London, N9 0PW
- Forest Gate Police Station, 350-360 Romford Road, London, E7 8BS
- Harrow Police Station, 70 – 74 Northolt Road, London, HA2 0DN
- Hammersmith Police Station, 26 Shepherd’s Bush Road, London, W6 7NX
- Hayes Police Station, 755 Uxbridge Road, London, UB4 8HU
- Hounslow Police Station, 3-5 Montague Road, London, TW3 1LB
- Ilford Police Station, 270-294 High Road, London, IG1 1GT
- Islington Police Station, 2 Tolpuddle Street, London, N1 0YY
*note Angel tube station is 9 minutes’ walk away. If driving, Angel Central car park is 2 minutes’ walk away and the police station is in the ULEZ - Kensington Police Station, 72 – 74 Earls Court Road, London, W8 6EQ
- Kentish Town Police Station,10-12a Holmes Road, London, NW5 3AE
- Kingston Police Station, 5 & 7 High Street, London, KT1 1LB
- Lavender Hill Police Station, 176 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 1JX
- Lewisham Police Station, 43 Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 5JZ
- Mitcham Police Station, 58 Cricket Green, London, CR4 4LA
- Plumstead Police Station, 200 Plumstead High Street, London, SE18 1JY
- Romford Police Station,19 Main Road, London, RM1 3BJ
- Stoke Newington Police Station, 33 Stoke Newington High Street, London, N16 8DS
- Sutton Police Station, 6 Carshalton Road, London, SM1 4RF
- Tottenham Police Station, 398 High Road, London, N17 9JA
- Twickenham Police Station, 41 London Road, London, TW1 3SY
- Walworth Police Station,12-28 Manor Place, London, SE17 3RL
- Wembley Police Station, 603 Harrow Road, London, HA0 2HH
*Note: There is a car park at the police station, although it is often full. Free parking can be found on Turner Close nearby. Wembley police station is in the ULEZ - Wimbledon Police Station,15-23 Queens Road, London, SW19 8NN
