Being interviewed by the Police can be a stressful experience. So, it’s especially important to know what your legal rights are during the investigation process.
Here’s what you need to know:
- You’ll be interviewed by a Police officer and a statement will be recorded in English after the interview.
- You can choose to speak in the language or dialect which you are most comfortable with.
- An interpreter will be provided if you cannot understand the interviewer.
- You must carefully check that the statement is accurate before signing it.
- You can make amendments to the statement if necessary.
- You will not be given a copy of the statement.
- In most situations, you won’t be given an opportunity to speak to your lawyer before the interview and your lawyer won’t be allowed to accompany you during the interview.
- You must tell the truth during the interview, otherwise you may be prosecuted for giving false information or lying.
- If you are accused of having committed an offence, you must give your full explanation early, otherwise it may be viewed as being less believable if you only mention it much later.
- But remember, regardless of what the interviewer may tell you, you don’t have to admit that you’ve committed the offence. This is your legal right.