1st interview
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Hi all. So I just made a post today about chasing police each month and wanted to say thank you for the replies. Turns out we ended up getting a call later today to arrange a “voluntary” interview with police.
This is his first interview as he wasn’t arrested at the time of the knock so have no idea what to expect. Most of the people I have heard experiences from seem to have their first interview at the time of the knock which really confuses me.
He planned to go in next week and now my mind is going crazy. Is a voluntary interview much different from any other interview? Have they likely found something? The OIC said it’s up to us whether we have a solicitor but will just be him speaking to my partner. We will definitely be going with a solicitor.
We knew he’d be interviewed at some point but this has come up quicker than I thought given that police haven't stuck to any of the dates they'd given so far so the shock and anxiety have come hitting again.
This is his first interview as he wasn’t arrested at the time of the knock so have no idea what to expect. Most of the people I have heard experiences from seem to have their first interview at the time of the knock which really confuses me.
He planned to go in next week and now my mind is going crazy. Is a voluntary interview much different from any other interview? Have they likely found something? The OIC said it’s up to us whether we have a solicitor but will just be him speaking to my partner. We will definitely be going with a solicitor.
We knew he’d be interviewed at some point but this has come up quicker than I thought given that police haven't stuck to any of the dates they'd given so far so the shock and anxiety have come hitting again.
This is likely because they have found evidence and want to ask about it. While it is "voluntary" he probably shouldn't treat it as such.
be sure to either have the duty solicitor with him at the very least
fingers crossed for you, this bit is very anxiety making but it is at least the end of the beginning
xxx
be sure to either have the duty solicitor with him at the very least
fingers crossed for you, this bit is very anxiety making but it is at least the end of the beginning
xxx
From what I've read they often say it's voluntary to 1. Take pressure off the police having to go out and formally arrest someone which takes man power and 2. To create a more relaxed 'friendly' atmosphere to interview in the hope that something will be confessed or admitted.
Bearing in mind that cases can be different, from our experience and some other posts on this forum over the weeks (and months and now years for us!) a friendly interview, chat or whatever it's called should always be treated as if it's not. Do make sure that the duty solicitor at the very least is there. The police will minimise the occasion but you musn't - our son was invited in but the OIC did tell him what it was about first (a different offence, not child related but still a big shock for us) and when he arrived (with his solicitor) he was cautioned so hardly just a chat. He was advised to give a 'no comment' interview which he did and was in and out in 15 minutes.
Another scenarion which I've seen on here is that someone is called in and discovers it's to be charged (in which case a solicitor wouldn't be needed).
None of this will help you feel more relaxed and less traumatised - no wonder so many of us become affected by mental health problems which in my opinion could be prevented with a bit of kindness and consideration from the police. I'm so sorry that you are going through all this and can only send a big hug and encouragement to hang in there, each horrible occasion is the next step towards the conclusion xxx
Another scenarion which I've seen on here is that someone is called in and discovers it's to be charged (in which case a solicitor wouldn't be needed).
None of this will help you feel more relaxed and less traumatised - no wonder so many of us become affected by mental health problems which in my opinion could be prevented with a bit of kindness and consideration from the police. I'm so sorry that you are going through all this and can only send a big hug and encouragement to hang in there, each horrible occasion is the next step towards the conclusion xxx
Hey
Over 3 years since the knock and almost 2 years since sentencing, do not treat it as anything other than a investigation. They try play friendly so you say more because some times they don't have enough evidence or have evidence and try to add more on from what gets said in interview. Make sure they take a solicitor and they can also give a no comment interview. My oh had a rubbish duty solicitor on day of arrest told him to admit to everything which he did and then it was all used in court, second interview he had a proper solicitor and was advised to do no comment which helped loads.
Hope this all helps x
Over 3 years since the knock and almost 2 years since sentencing, do not treat it as anything other than a investigation. They try play friendly so you say more because some times they don't have enough evidence or have evidence and try to add more on from what gets said in interview. Make sure they take a solicitor and they can also give a no comment interview. My oh had a rubbish duty solicitor on day of arrest told him to admit to everything which he did and then it was all used in court, second interview he had a proper solicitor and was advised to do no comment which helped loads.
Hope this all helps x
Hello Ocean13,
I'm confused as to why he wasn't arrested and interviewed when this all started. Maybe call the OIC and ask...
Definitely don't treat it as voluntary as I'm pretty sure if you don't voluntarily go in, they then get arrested so it's certainly not a choice.
No matter the solicitor they will advise no comment so unless you have to pay private I would just go with the duty solicitor.
xx
I'm confused as to why he wasn't arrested and interviewed when this all started. Maybe call the OIC and ask...
Definitely don't treat it as voluntary as I'm pretty sure if you don't voluntarily go in, they then get arrested so it's certainly not a choice.
No matter the solicitor they will advise no comment so unless you have to pay private I would just go with the duty solicitor.
xx
Hi all, thanks for the responses. It is really overwhelming but he is going to have a duty solicitor. I'm struggling to concentrate at work now and feel sick worrying over this.
SadAndWorried I am very confused by this as it doesn't seem to be common practice. They visited him at work, took his phone, no questions asked, wouldn't answer any of his questions, and left. We've been left hanging until now.
SadAndWorried I am very confused by this as it doesn't seem to be common practice. They visited him at work, took his phone, no questions asked, wouldn't answer any of his questions, and left. We've been left hanging until now.
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My OH was called in for a 'voluntary' interview. They down-played what the interview was about and so he was completely blindsided and not prepared. He didn't tell me he was going for another interview and only told me after. If I had known, I might have said to at least have the duty solicitor with him and say "no comment". Especially since what the police have charged him with as they were trying to catch him out. One of the questions they asked was if anyone has access to his laptop, and because he said yes, one of the charges was making images, which he hasn't done. He should have had a solicitor from day one, but he just wanted to get it over with as it was our daughter's birthday and our other daughter had an audition for college.
Hi Quietlife! I'm sorry you're going through this too. Seems very wrong to me that they said that about having a duty solicitor as your OH is entitled to it and can be detrimental if not to have one. As these comments suggest and from I've heard definitely have a solicitor present.
I hate how long everything takes and the games police play it's all the more terrifying. I'm so scared of them catching out my partner for something he didn't do. I've suggested a no comment interview but his parents are worried that will make him seem more guilty.
This is such a horrific thing to go through and I'm scared that the interview could work against him and the person I love and our future will be taken. My heart is breaking for everyone who has to go through this.
I hate how long everything takes and the games police play it's all the more terrifying. I'm so scared of them catching out my partner for something he didn't do. I've suggested a no comment interview but his parents are worried that will make him seem more guilty.
This is such a horrific thing to go through and I'm scared that the interview could work against him and the person I love and our future will be taken. My heart is breaking for everyone who has to go through this.
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The duty solicitor will tell him whether "no comment" is appropriate. If the interview was prior to the police having evidence, I think "no comment" is the advice. But if the police have evidence, I think they have to share it with solicitor first, who then goes through it with accused and then they have interview
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