The MET police conduct approximately 15,000 voluntary interviews in London each year. If the police have contacted you to request a voluntary police interview in London, 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 for a voluntary police interview in London:
- 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.
For information about the law on Voluntary interviews, take a look at our service page on voluntary interviews here. Alternatively, we have an article about the 10 mistakes you can make in a police Interview in London, read our article here.
Why is it important to obtain disclosure before a voluntary police interview in London?
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 main interview strategies:
1. Providing a Full Comment in Voluntary Police Interview
In some cases, we may advise you to simply answer all of the questions put to you. It may be the most persuasive and engaging way to deny an allegation and demonstrate your innocence. This approach can bring with it various risks, such as giving inconsistent or unconvincing answers. At worst, individuals incriminate themselves by giving information to the police that otherwise would not be able to be proved. This must be assessed by your solicitor to consider whether it is the best option in your circumstances.
2. No Comment in a Voluntary Police Interview
It may be in your interests to make no comment at all in the interview. There are various situations where this may be the best approach. For example, where there is no plausible defence to put forward, or where there are inherent risks attached to giving a particular account. In other instances, the evidence to prove an allegation may be weak, which is an important factor to consider.
3. Providing a Prepared Statement in a Voluntary Police Interview
Sometimes the best approach may be to submit a written statement, which carefully outlines your account, without going into areas which do not help you. This can be extremely effective in avoiding the pressure of police questions, whilst ensuring your position is put forward. However, it is essential that an experienced lawyer helps you with drafting this statement to ensure you do not put in writing any information that does not assist your case and may cause you issues later in the investigation.
Do I need a solicitor to represent me in a voluntary police interview in London?
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 will often be the case where evidence needs to be obtained from within a suspect’s property or where evidence needs to be seized from a suspect. If the alleged offence took place some time ago or there is no longer the need to seize evidence, a voluntary interview will likely be offered. Being offered a voluntary interview does not mean that the matter is less serious.
What happens after a voluntary police interview in London or elsewhere?
After the interview, the police officer will decide whether any further investigation is needed or whether a charging decision can be sought from the Evidential Review Officer or the Crown Prosecution Service. After the interview we can review whether there is any positive action we can take to advance your position and reduce the risk of a charge. We will consider compiling evidence to support your defence, which can be submitted to the police with written representations. A proactive approach can sometimes play a crucial role in averting a prosecution.
Why instruct Reeds Solicitors?
Our private crime team offers an unrivalled level of experience and skill in this area, with each member of our team having represented countless 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 in London Team
Case Studies – Some examples of our representation in voluntary police interviews:
1 – Sexual Assault Allegation
We represented a client at the police station who was interviewed in relation to a Sexual Assault allegation. Our solicitor spoke with the officer in charge of the investigation and obtained detailed pre-interview disclose. There were numerous WhatsApp messages to review and it was important not to be blindsided in the interview. After taking instructions from the client, our solicitor advised that the best course of action was to submit a limited account in a prepared statement. There were difficult aspects of the client’s account, which would have been damaging to put forward in interview. The prepared statement allowed the client to deny the allegation, whilst avoiding detailed questioning. Following the interview, the investigation was closed with No Further Action.
2 – Assault and Controlling & Coercive Behaviour Allegation
Our client was accused of several offences, all of which were alleged to have occurred within a former relationship. During the initial consultation, we were able to take detailed instructions without the time pressure of being at the police station and come up with a plan of action. During the interview at the police station, our client gave a full comment interview. Our solicitor provided support throughout, ensuring that all of the important details of his account were put forward. Following the interview, we compiled a bundle of defence evidence, which outlined the contradictions in the complainant’s account. All of the offences were dropped.
3 – Grievous Bodily Harm (S.18)
Our client was accused of punching another player during a Sunday league football match. This allegedly broke the player’s jaw. He was interviewed for S.18 GBH with intent. Our solicitor assisted the suspect in drafting a detailed prepared statement to provide to the Police. This denied the offence and explained that it happened very differently; unfortunately, opposition players had “ganged up” and provided a series of false statements to the Police. In the investigation stage, Reeds Solicitors took statements from other players that were present, as well as managers and spectators. Through these statements and character references we were able to demonstrate that the allegation of a punch was false. No further action was taken against our client.
Reviews for our Service
“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.”
Client
“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”
Client
“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.”
Client
We cover the following police stations for police interviews in 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 1JYRomford 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
