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What to do if…
you are told you are the subject of an investigation and you fear you could say the wrong thing

Short answer

Stop talking and get legal advice before you answer any questions. In the UK, you can get free, independent legal advice for a police interview (including through the duty solicitor scheme).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t “just explain” informally on the phone, by text, email, or in person to “clear it up”.
  • Don’t attend an interview (even “voluntary”) without arranging legal advice first.
  • Don’t guess dates, fill gaps, or agree to summaries you haven’t read and understood.
  • Don’t volunteer access to your phone/accounts, passwords, or documents “to help” without legal advice (and don’t obstruct any lawful requirement once it’s clearly explained).
  • Don’t contact witnesses/complainants/colleagues to compare stories or “sort it out”.
  • Don’t delete messages, files, call logs, or social posts (that can create serious extra problems).
  • Don’t sign any statement or “written account” without legal advice.

What to do now

  1. Pause the conversation, politely. Use one line and repeat it:
    • “I want legal advice before I answer any questions.”
  2. Clarify what they are asking you to do — without discussing the allegation. Ask:
    • “Am I under arrest, or is this a voluntary interview?”
    • “Is this an interview under caution?”
    • “What is the allegation and what time period does it relate to?”
    • “When and where is the interview planned?”
  3. Request a solicitor immediately (and don’t answer questions until you’ve had advice).
    • If you’re at/going to a police station: ask for the duty solicitor or name your own.
    • If you’re being invited to attend: say you will only arrange a time via your solicitor (or once legal advice is booked in).
  4. If you’re at a police station, use your rights to slow things down safely.
    • Ask to speak privately with a solicitor before any interview.
    • If you’re unwell, panicking, or not coping: ask for medical help/assessment and say you’re struggling to participate in an interview right now.
    • If you need an interpreter or communication support, ask early.
    • If you are under 18 or may be treated as vulnerable, ask for an appropriate adult.
  5. Write down the basics while your memory is fresh (for your solicitor, not for police).
    • Who contacted you, which force/department (as stated), date/time, what they asked, any reference numbers, and any deadlines mentioned.
    • Keep it factual. Don’t build a “narrative” yet.
  6. Protect yourself from accidental “informal interviews”.
    • Don’t discuss the matter with anyone except your solicitor.
    • If you must communicate with police to arrange logistics, keep it to: time/place/solicitor contact details.
  7. If they pressure you to talk now, keep it simple and consistent.
    • “I understand. I’m not answering questions without legal advice.”

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to give a full account, answer “no comment”, or provide a prepared statement — that’s for after legal advice.
  • You do not need to collect evidence, contact anyone involved, or write a detailed timeline right now.
  • You do not need to argue about fairness, motives, or “why me” with the officer — it rarely helps in the moment.

Important reassurance

Feeling scared about “saying the wrong thing” is a normal reaction. Asking for a solicitor is a standard safeguard, not an admission. Your job right now is to slow the situation down and avoid accidental mistakes made in panic or haste.

Scope note

These are first steps only — to stabilise the situation, avoid irreversible mistakes, and get proper advice. Later choices (how/when to respond, what to provide, what to say in interview) depend on details and should be made with a solicitor.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Processes vary by circumstances and location. If you are unsure what you are being asked to do, or you feel pressured, default to: stop talking and request legal advice.

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