Can you refuse to be interviewed by police?

Asked by: Maurine DuBuque  |  Last update: June 26, 2022
Score: 5/5 (39 votes)

Remember, you have the right to refuse an interview by a police officer. If an officer tries to threaten or intimidate you into giving an interview, remember that you have the right to have an attorney present. Do not give in to the officer's demands until you speak to your lawyer.

Can you refuse a police interview UK?

You can refuse to partake as it's a 'voluntary' interview, however, a refusal to attend could prompt the police to arrest you, where you will need to give a “standard interview” in custody. It's important to note that you are entitled to independent legal advice whether you are giving a standard or voluntary interview.

Can you refuse being questioned?

In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before agreeing to answer questions.

Can I refuse to give my name to a police officer UK?

If you refuse to provide your name, address, date and place of birth and nationality after you have been told by the police why they have stopped to question you this refusal is an offence you could be arrested and charged for.

Can you film police UK?

Is Filming the Police Illegal UK? Any member of the public can film a police officer on the streets without asking permission. There is no UK law stopping anyone filming activities in a public place. All police forces in Great Britain adopt the Metropolitan Police guidelines on photography.

Can You Refuse a Police Interview?

32 related questions found

Can you swear at a police officer UK?

There is no specific offence of swearing at a police officer, and in fact it is not a specific crime of swearing in public, only of causing “harassment alarm or distress” under the Act mentioned above. This requires some evidence of an individual being, or being likely to be, offended by the language used.

Can you tell the police I don't answer questions?

In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before agreeing to answer questions.

Do I have to go to a voluntary police interview?

What is a voluntary police interview? A voluntary police interview or interview under caution is a formal conversation with police that usually takes place at a police station. You do not have to attend and you can leave at any time once the interview has begun.

Can you be charged without being interviewed?

What it comes down to is evidence, if you have been caught during the commission of a crime then you can be arrested on the spot, charged at the police station and interviewed under caution. If they have only a suspicion and no evidence then they can interview you voluntarily or under caution, then charge you.

Can you say no comment in a police interview?

The most obvious benefit to saying “no comment” in a police interview is that you will not be adding an immediate strength to a prosecution case. In certain situations, this may leave a prosecution with insufficient evidence to charge you.

Can the police make you do an interview?

Remember, you have the right to refuse an interview by a police officer.

Do you have to attend a police interview UK?

No, you are not under arrest and do not have to attend and can leave the interview at any time. However the police may arrest you and conduct an interview while you are in custody.

Can you refuse to attend an interview under caution?

Interviews under caution. There is no express legal requirement that a person suspected of having committed an offence must be interviewed under caution before any decision as to whether to prosecute is taken.

Can I refuse to be interviewed under caution?

Other enforcement agencies with the power to conduct interviews under caution do not have the power to arrest suspects, so they can only invite you to be interviewed voluntarily. You have the right to refuse, but this may lead to you being arrested.

Is being interviewed under caution the same as being cautioned?

What is an interview under caution? By law, you must be cautioned before any questions can be posed to you in an interview, otherwise anything you say during the interview answers cannot then be used as evidence in court. A police interview is therefore known as an interview under caution.

Is a voluntary police interview serious?

This is a serious interview because the police suspect that you have committed an offence. What you say, or do not say, in the interview can be used in court against you.

What to do if police ask you to come in for questioning?

If the police come and ask you questions:
  1. Make sure they're actually a police officer. If you're not sure, you can politely ask for their proof of identity.
  2. You can find out why the police have stopped you, if you aren't told when you're stopped, ask why and whether you're under arrest.

Can the police interview you without a solicitor?

If you have been arrested and taken to the police station, then you should ask to speak to a solicitor before the interview takes place. The police must heed this request; the interview cannot occur until you have talked to a legal representative. The police may try to persuade you against seeking legal advice.

Do you have to give the police your name?

5. You DO NOT have to give your name and address unless the officer points out an offence he / she suspects you have committed. However, not providing your details may lead to you being detained for longer.

What to say when you don't want to answer a question?

Good ways to say anything but "No Comment" to questions you really don't want to answer:
  • "I'm sorry but I'm not able to speak to that subject"
  • "Thanks for asking but I'm not able to answer that question"
  • "I'm sorry but that information is proprietary"

What happens when a detective wants to speak with you?

During an investigation, the detective may also have someone you know, such as a parent, sibling, or spouse, call you. The intent is to get you to admit to the crime. These calls are recorded and may become evidence against you. They may have someone you know wear a wire and try to obtain a confession.

Do I have to answer the door for police UK?

In normal circumstances the law is clear that, although the police can stop you in a public place and ask you questions (such as your name and what you are doing), you do not have to answer them and cannot be penalised for walking away.

Can a police officer order you out of your car UK?

true. If the police had a valid reason to pull you over and then the officer decides he or she wants you to exit the vehicle, you have to follow that order. It does not violate your rights.

Can police stop you for no reason UK?

The police can stop a vehicle for any reason. If they ask you to stop, you should always pull over when it's safe to do so. You're breaking the law if you do not stop.

Can a suspect refuse an interview?

Your right to silence is found under s89 of the Evidence Act NSW 1995. It is the law. You can tell police that you do not want to be interviewed. This is part of your right to silence.