When can I be interviewed by the police?

The police can approach you and ask you questions at any time. It is very important to know your rights.

The right to remain silent

In most circumstances you must give the police your name and address, but other than that you have the right to remain silent. This means that you are allowed to refuse to answer questions asked by police whether you have been stopped in the street, been taken to the police station for questioning or been arrested. 

You should refuse to answer any questions or sign anything until you have spoken to a lawyer. 

If you are under 18 years old, the police must not formally question you unless a parent, relative or independent person is there. 

For more general information about the powers that police have, check out this website.

Going to the police station

You do not have to go with the police for questioning unless you are being arrested.

If you are being arrested you have the right to know what you are being arrested for.

If you are under 18, you can only be arrested if a police officer suspects you have committed a serious offence.

You have the right to get legal advice at any time. You should insist upon speaking to a lawyer before you answer any questions.