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uk Legal, police, prison & official contact police want your side now • asked to explain yourself to police • police phone call allegation • invited for voluntary interview • voluntary interview under caution • interview under caution rights • do i have to talk to police • no comment police interview • asked to come to station today • “help us clear this up” police • police say you’ve been reported • unexpected police contact • is this a police scam call • duty solicitor request • free legal advice police station • panic after police contact • what to say on police phone call • asked for statement immediately • “just a quick chat” police

What to do if…
police say you are being reported for something and want “your side of the story” right now

Short answer

Don’t explain anything “right now”. First confirm who you’re speaking to, then say you won’t answer questions without legal advice and will arrange any interview with a solicitor.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t “just clear it up” on the phone or in an unplanned chat.
  • Don’t guess details, fill in gaps, or speculate about timelines, motives, or other people.
  • Don’t hand over passwords, unlock your phone, or show messages/photos “to help”.
  • Don’t accept pressure like “it’ll look better if you cooperate now”.
  • Don’t attend an interview without arranging legal advice first (if they say it’s urgent, ask for legal advice to be arranged before any questioning).
  • Don’t pay anything or share bank details to “close the report” — treat that as suspicious.

What to do now

  1. Pause and buy time. Take 3 slow breaths. Your job right now is simply: don’t get drawn into giving an account.
  2. Check it’s really the police (scam check). Ask for their name, role, force/station, and a reference/incident number. End the call. Then call back via an official, trusted number (e.g., the force’s official website switchboard / 101), not a number only the caller provides.
  3. Clarify the type of contact — without discussing the facts. Ask only:
    • “Am I under arrest or being detained?”
    • “Is this a request for a voluntary interview / interview under caution?”
    • “What offence are you investigating (in brief)?”
  4. Use one calm sentence and stop talking. For example:
    • “I’m willing to cooperate, but I won’t answer questions without legal advice. Please contact my solicitor / I will arrange representation and we can schedule a time.”
  5. Ask for a solicitor before any interview. If it’s an interview under caution (including voluntary attendance), ask for a solicitor. You can request the duty solicitor or contact a criminal defence solicitor yourself. (Being asked for a solicitor does not “make you look guilty”.)
  6. Write down what happened while it’s fresh. Note date/time, who contacted you, reference number, what was requested, and any pressure/deadlines used.
  7. Avoid accidental self-incrimination. Until you’ve had legal advice:
    • Don’t discuss the allegation with friends/colleagues or on social media.
    • Don’t message anyone involved to “sort it out” or “explain”.
    • Don’t delete messages/files in a panic.
  8. If officers turn up. Be polite but firm:
    • “I’m not answering questions without legal advice.”
    • “Am I under arrest?” If you’re not under arrest, you can ask that contact is arranged through your solicitor and end the conversation.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to give a full account.
  • You do not need to write a long statement or assemble “proof” tonight.
  • You do not need to attend an interview at the first time suggested if you haven’t arranged legal advice — you can propose a time once represented.

Important reassurance

It’s normal to feel you must explain yourself instantly to stop things escalating. But informal explanations can be recorded, misunderstood, or incomplete in ways that are hard to undo. Slowing down and getting legal advice is a protective step, not an admission.

Scope note

This is “first steps only” for the first hour after unexpected police contact. Next steps depend on whether this is a voluntary interview under caution, an arrest/detention, or another process.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If you feel unsafe or believe arrest is imminent, prioritise safety and urgent legal support.

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