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What to do if…
police ask you to come in to be photographed or recorded as part of an inquiry

Short answer

Treat this as a legal situation, not a chat. First confirm whether it’s voluntary; if it is, you can decline or rearrange until you’ve had legal advice.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t “pop in quickly” to be helpful without checking whether you’re a suspect, a witness, or being asked to attend a voluntary interview.
  • Don’t agree to be interviewed, recorded, or “give your side” before you’ve had legal advice.
  • Don’t assume “it’s just a photo/voice recording” is routine — ask what they’re asking you to do, and on what basis.
  • Don’t take friends/relatives as your substitute for legal advice (a solicitor is different).
  • Don’t delete or alter messages, photos, call logs, or posts after police contact; it can raise questions later.
  • Don’t get drawn into discussing the incident on the phone “just to clarify”.

What to do now

  1. Get the basics and slow it down. Ask for the officer’s name/number, station, a reference/case number, what they want (photo, video, voice recording, interview, statement), and whether attendance is voluntary.
  2. Ask the key question plainly: “Am I being interviewed under caution, or as a witness?” If they won’t say, treat it as higher risk and get legal advice before attending.
  3. Arrange legal advice before you go.
    • If you’re in England & Wales: you can ask for free and independent legal advice for a police interview, including via the duty solicitor scheme, and have a solicitor present.
    • If you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland: ask for free legal advice and what the local process is for having a solicitor before any interview/recording.
  4. If the request is “just for a photograph/recording,” ask what basis they’re relying on. For example: “Is this voluntary/with my consent, or because I’m detained/arrested?” If it’s voluntary/consent-based, don’t consent until you’ve had legal advice.
  5. Control the appointment. If you do attend, book a time when your solicitor can be present (or available by phone), and confirm where to report. Don’t arrive early and start chatting informally.
  6. If you’re vulnerable, ask for safeguards.
    • England & Wales: if you’re under 18, have a mental health condition, learning disability, or struggle to communicate, tell them and ask about an appropriate adult.
    • Scotland/Northern Ireland: tell them you need the local equivalent support and ask what will be arranged before any interview/recording.
  7. Write down what happened (for you/your solicitor, not to hand over). Note dates/times, who contacted you, exactly what was requested, and any deadlines mentioned.
  8. If you feel unsafe attending alone, say so and ask for adjustments. Ask to wait in a public area until your solicitor arrives, request an interpreter if needed, and flag accessibility needs.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether you will “cooperate fully” or “contest everything.” Your job right now is to avoid an unadvised recorded interview/statement.
  • You don’t need to prepare a perfect statement, apology, or explanation before legal advice.
  • You don’t need to contact other people involved or post about it.

Important reassurance

Being contacted by police can happen for many reasons, including routine inquiries — but it’s normal to feel shaken. Slowing things down and getting legal advice first is a sensible safety step, not an admission of guilt.

Scope note

These are first steps to reduce risk and prevent irreversible mistakes in the first 24–48 hours. Anything beyond that (formal statements, evidence strategy, negotiations) is for you and a solicitor to handle carefully.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Police processes and terminology differ across the UK. If you’re unsure whether attendance is voluntary or whether you’re being treated as a suspect, treat it as serious and get legal advice before going in.

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