Public decisions should survive public questions.

Question library

Jurisdiction must be checked

LJBD / INT · 15 question pages

Interviews & cautions

Establish who is interviewing, your status, whether attendance is voluntary, the general allegation, the rules that apply and access to a solicitor.

What a useful answer identifies

Move from the label to the decision trail.

your status, whether attendance is voluntary, the general allegation, applicable rules, recording arrangements and access to a solicitor. Each page below adds follow-up wording, a recording checklist, official starting sources and possible routes.

016Am I being approached as a witness, a suspect or in another capacity?Open question page017Is attendance voluntary, and what does voluntary mean in this jurisdiction?Open question page018Which organisation is conducting the interview and under what authority?Open question page019What is the general nature of the alleged offence or conduct?Open question page020Why am I suspected, so far as the applicable rules require that to be explained?Open question page021Will the interview be under caution and audio or video recorded?Open question page022May I obtain legal advice before agreeing a date or answering questions?Open question page023Can a solicitor be present, and is publicly funded advice available?Open question page024What happens if I ask to postpone so that I can obtain advice?Open question page025Am I free to leave, and could my status change during the interview?Open question page026Who else will be present and what is each person's role?Open question page027Which caution and interview rules apply in Scotland, England and Wales, or another jurisdiction?Open question page028How can I obtain a copy or record of what was said?Open question page029What should I do if I do not understand the allegation, question or caution?Open question page030Why is a case-specific solicitor's advice safer than a blanket 'always answer' or 'always no comment' rule?Open question page