Does anyone know anything about voluntary police interviews. DH has been asked to attend.

[Cetra638]

Without going into too much detail he’s been reported for a road traffic offence, they have CCTV footage. He was phoned today to ask if he would come into the station, at his own convenience for a chat. They told him it wasn’t a serious offence, he won’t get points on his license but then contradicted themselves by saying worse case scenario would be court. They said he could have a solicitor present but advised it wasn’t necessary at this point. They just wanted to chat to him about driving safety. He’s made the appointment for tomorrow.

Does he need a solicitor present? How do you even go about finding one? Should we postpone it until we’ve taken legal advice? They made it sound very casual but we’ve no experience of the legal system at all. Any advice gratefully received!

[PuppyMonkey]

I’m not ex police or even current police but I have watched numerous tv crime programmes, true life cases, dramas, The Bill, Corrie and documentaries etc and all your DH needs to do is keep saying: “No comment” to every question asked.

Seriously OP, hope all turns out well (unless DH committed murder, serious assault etc obvs).

[Onekidnoclue]

@x2boys

My Dh got legal aid four years ago up to £30,000 was granted and we could pick our own law firm ,he works ,we have a car ,it goes off earnings ,they do a full financial assessment.

That’s how it should work still. It’s been cut to the bone in the last three years. The provision is appalling now.

[Cetra638]

Many thanks everyone. The interview went well. He met the duty solicitor first, they watched the CCTV footage and he was advised not to say anything at that point. They then had the interview under caution. He said the officers were lovely, made it clear from the start that there wouldn’t be any prosecution. It was basically a formal safety briefing. It’s all been wrapped up today, no points on his license or record against him. We’re hugely relieved.

[PuppyMonkey]

Good news OP.

Come on, admit it, he had a crafty wee somewhere and got caught by a security guard didn’t he?

[FrippEnos]

Cetra638

Pleased that it went well for you and your DH.

This may be the video that posters are talking about.
I know that its from the USA but its worth a watch.

[EatsShootsAndRuns]

Don't trust the police. And I am the most middle class law abiding person you could come across. But they do not have your best interests at heart.

This is sadly so very true. Get a solicitor, they know more about the law than the average man in the street, and don't say a dickie bird to the police without the solicitor being there.

[EatsShootsAndRuns]

Oops didn't read the whole thing. Glad it worked out ok.

[2bazookas]

@Cetra638

Ok thanks everyone. Loud and clear, we need a solicitor. He’ll phone the station first thing in the morning, ask if the duty solicitor can see him before the interview and if not we’ll postpone it and find our own.

The duty solicitor does not hang out at the police station; so you need to call the police station today to arrange a time when the duty solicitor can be present for his interview.

[lifesalongsong]

Is what he did something that you need to warn others about, ie an inadvertant breach of some little known rule or had he deliberately done something stupid/dangerous?

A lot of posters must now be disappointed he wasn't fitted up for some major offence, how dare the police be reasonable and proportionate

[Cetra638]

I wish I could say on here but it is very outing. No, he didn’t have a sneaky wee 😆

[ProfessorSlocombe]

@lifesalongsong

Is what he did something that you need to warn others about, ie an inadvertant breach of some little known rule or had he deliberately done something stupid/dangerous?

A lot of posters must now be disappointed he wasn't fitted up for some major offence, how dare the police be reasonable and proportionate

It's not so much that the police are never reasonable and proportionate (especially when they have to investigate themselves).

It's more a fact that if you or I fucked in our day job, the worst that may happen is s customer has the excitement getting on Watchdog. Whereas when the police fuck up (along with the rest of the machinery of "justice") then the worst that can happen is entire families lives are forever ruined.

If you were to draw a foursquare graph, then you're looking at the "rarely happens/maximum impact" quarter.

[MrsVMorgan]

Now it’s been sorted can you share what it was? I’m Intrigued.

[Laundrywoman]

@ProfessorSlocombe Could I please have your number in case I'm
ever arrested. I reckon I'd both skip out of the police station free
as bird or get banged up there and then.


I'm willing to risk it if you're fees are reasonable.

[CrimeCantCrackItself]

@lifesalongsong

Is what he did something that you need to warn others about, ie an inadvertant breach of some little known rule or had he deliberately done something stupid/dangerous?

A lot of posters must now be disappointed he wasn't fitted up for some major offence, how dare the police be reasonable and proportionate

Most police officers are reasonable and proportionate. And some are absolutely excellent and go above and beyond. Not all. And some are awful, complete bastards and liars. Joining the police doesn't make a person honest or dishonest, a better or worse person.

Having lived through it when heavily pregnant and with a newborn, it's an utterly horrendous experience and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I'm really glad it's all done and dusted OP and I bet your DH is incredibly relieved too.

[HM1984]

Anything he says will be used as evidence (as I imagine it will be recorded). They can provide a solicitor if you need one, would be someone on their panel but totally impartial (I know someone who does this and she works in different stations) although if they haven't offered this it may be stretched at the moment but worth asking if you're not in a position to afford legal fees.

Voluntary isnt really an option - if he doesn't arrange a time or date, they will come to the known address eventually in their car to collect him for a chat at the station. If you want to keep your business private, I would suggest you book an appointment with the officer to discuss whatever it is they need to talk about.

Good luck x

[HM1984]

oh sorry I see its been sorted! Good to hear :)

[Breezer222]

My son was questioned voulantary by police almost a year ago for something he did not do...I thought because we havnt heard anything the matter was closed,but today we received another letter saying they want to speak to him again .. it states its another voulantary interview,can anybody tell me why this would be? He's panicking as am I.