20 Questions Police May Ask During A Voluntary Police Interview & What They Mean

A voluntary police interview is when the police ask you to come in and talk with them, typically because they believe you have information related to an investigation. You are not under arrest, and you’re free to leave at any time. However, you should not view this as a casual conversation. It’s still a formal procedure that can impact your future, especially if the discussion steers towards suggesting you had some involvement in a crime.

During a voluntary police interview, the police’s goal might be to gather evidence, clarify details, or possibly confirm or dispel their suspicions about you. They may ask direct questions about events, people, objects, or your whereabouts. Understanding the types of questions commonly asked can help you recognise what’s going on, protect your rights, and avoid inadvertently incriminating yourself.

You have the right to have a solicitor present, even if you’re not arrested. This ensures you understand the implications of what you’re being asked and can receive guidance on when to answer or remain silent.

Below are 20 example questions police might ask during a voluntary interview, along with insights into their purpose, what the answers might imply, and how you might handle them.

1. “Can you tell me, in your own words, what happened on [Date/Time]?”

Why They Ask:
The police may start broadly, giving you the chance to provide your version of events. This open-ended question aims to see if your account aligns with what they already know, detect inconsistencies, or prompt admissions.

How to Handle It:
Without a solicitor’s guidance, you might feel compelled to explain fully. [Solicitor’s advice is paramount under these circumstances] Consider pausing, remembering you can have legal advice before speaking. If you choose to answer, stick to facts you’re certain of—avoid guessing, embellishing, or filling in gaps you’re unsure about.

What Happens After a Voluntary Police Interview: A Layman’s Guide

2. “Where were you at [specific time/place]?”

Why They Ask:
Police want to establish your whereabouts to confirm or disprove an alibi. If you were near the scene of a crime, they might be drawing links between you and the offence.

How to Handle It:
If you have a genuine, verifiable alibi—documents, witnesses—your solicitor may advise you to provide it. If unsure or can’t recall, say so. Don’t make up something you can’t substantiate.

3. “Do you know [Person’s Name]? If so, how do you know them?”

Why They Ask:
Connections to suspects, victims, or witnesses matter. Police want to understand relationships and whether you had reasons to be involved in the situation under investigation.

How to Handle It:
[Solicitor’s advice is paramount under these circumstances] If you know the individual, briefly explain how—colleague, acquaintance, family friend. Keep it factual. If asked for details beyond a simple connection, a solicitor can guide how much to disclose.

What to Do When You Are on Bail but Not Charged: A Comprehensive Guide

4. “Have you ever visited [location related to the investigation]? When and why?”

Why They Ask:
They’re trying to place you at a scene or context relevant to the offence. If you admit to frequenting that place, they may use this to build a narrative connecting you to the event.

How to Handle It:
[Solicitor’s advice is paramount under these circumstances] Be honest about if you’ve been there before, but keep it concise. If you visited for a benign reason, state it simply. If unsure about timing details, say you’re not certain.

5. “Could you explain why your fingerprints/DNA might be found at [location or on an object]?”

Why They Ask:
Physical evidence like DNA or fingerprints strongly ties individuals to scenes or items. Asking this question gives you a chance to offer an innocent explanation—perhaps you handled the object innocently long ago.

How to Handle It:
If you have an innocent reason, provide it calmly. If you’re unsure why your prints might be there, express uncertainty. Avoid speculation. If this question surprises you, consult your solicitor before answering.

Voluntary Police Interview - What to Do When Police Call You for an Interview

6. “Who else can confirm your version of events?”

Why They Ask:
Police want corroboration. If you claim to have been with a friend, they’ll want that friend’s details to verify your story. This can strengthen or weaken your position depending on whether these witnesses back you up.

How to Handle It:
If you have reliable witnesses, provide their names. If not, be honest that you were alone or have no one to confirm. Don’t invent witnesses. [Solicitor’s advice is paramount under these circumstances]

7. “Were you aware that [victim/event] occurred?”

Why They Ask:
If you claim ignorance about the event, yet police have reason to believe you had some knowledge, this sets up contradictions. Conversely, if you acknowledge knowing about it but can’t explain how it raises suspicion.

How to Handle It:
If you genuinely know something, say how you learned it (e.g., news, social media, a friend told you). If you had no idea, express that plainly. [Solicitor’s advice is paramount under these circumstances]

8. “Can you provide details about your movements between [Time A] and [Time B]?”

Why They Ask:
They are creating a timeline. If a crime happened at 3 pm, and you claim to be somewhere else at that exact time, they’ll look for details that confirm or contradict this timeline.

How to Handle It:
Subject to your solicitor’s advice, stick to known facts. If you remember places and times clearly, share them. If you’re uncertain about exact times, say you’re not sure rather than guess. Your solicitor may advise caution if providing a timeline could be incriminating.

Voluntary Police Interview: What Happens if You Don’t Attend?

9. “Did you communicate with [Person/Company] around the time of the incident?”

Why They Ask:
This could tie you to planning, motive, or knowledge about the event. Communication records (calls, texts, emails) are often key evidence.

How to Handle It:
[Solicitor’s advice is paramount under these circumstances] If communication was innocent, explain briefly. If uncertain or it might be misinterpreted, consult your solicitor on how to frame your answer.

10. “Why do you think someone might say you were involved?”

Why They Ask:
Police may be testing your reaction to allegations from others. If you lash out or offer suspicious rationalisations, it may raise their suspicion.

How to Handle It:
[Solicitor’s advice is paramount under these circumstances] If you know someone falsely implicating you, say you have no idea why they’d do that or provide a plausible motive if you’re certain. Avoid attacking others’ characters beyond stating facts.

11. “Are you aware of any evidence that might suggest your involvement?”

Why They Ask:
They want to see if you volunteer info that confirms their theories or panic and reveal something you shouldn’t.

How to Handle It:
Subject to your solicitor’s advice. If you know no such evidence, say you’re not aware. Don’t try to guess what evidence they have. Stay calm and stick to known facts.

The Difference Between Caution Plus 3 and a Police Caution: What You Should Know

12. “Did anyone ask you to do something related to this event?”

Why They Ask:
They’re fishing for conspiracy, solicitation, or joint enterprise. If you admit someone asked you to carry out a task that aligns with the offence, you link yourself to it.

How to Handle It:
If no one asked you anything suspicious, say so simply. If yes, carefully describe what was asked without embellishment. Legal advice is crucial to address these issues without any complications.

13. “Have you been in contact with the victim or any witnesses since the incident?”

Why They Ask:
Communication after the fact may imply intimidation, collusion, or an attempt to influence testimony. They check if you tried to cover tracks.

How to Handle It:
If you had innocent contact, say so. If there is no contact, simply deny it. Consult your solicitor before answering if uncertain or concerned about how it looks. 

14. “Do you have any documents, receipts, or messages that could verify what you’re telling us?”

Why They Ask:
They want corroborating evidence. If you provide supporting documents, it can strengthen your account or conversely, they might challenge their authenticity or interpretation.

How to Handle It:
Subject to your solicitor’s advice, only mention documents you actually have. Don’t promise evidence that doesn’t exist. If you’re unsure which documents are safe to present, wait for advice from your solicitor.

10 Mistakes to Avoid During a Caution Plus 3 Interview: Protecting Your Rights and Business

15. “Have you ever been involved in anything like this before?”

Why They Ask:
This can gauge your history. Prior similar incidents (arrests, charges) might not be admissible at trial, but the officer’s line of questioning might test your reaction or glean intelligence.

How to Handle It:
If you have no relevant history, say no. If you do, consider how acknowledging past incidents could color the police’s perception. Your solicitor may advise careful wording.

16. “If we spoke to [named individual], what would they tell us about your involvement?”

Why They Ask:
They’re testing your reaction. If you fear that person’s testimony, you might become defensive. If you know they can confirm your innocence, you might express confidence.

How to Handle It:
Maintain consistency. If that individual can support your story, say so. If not sure, don’t guess. Avoid implicating yourself by inadvertently suggesting fear of what they might say. Get professional legal advice. Usually, it is free at the police station. You can bring your own solicitor. 

Police Bail vs Released Under Investigation: What You Should Do Next

17. “Was there any reason you might have been near the scene of the incident at that time?”

Why They Ask:
Placing you at the scene is crucial. If they’ve got evidence you were nearby, they want to see how you explain it. A weak or inconsistent explanation looks suspicious.

How to Handle It:
If you have a legitimate reason (e.g., passing through on your way home), state it plainly. If uncertain or no reason, say you can’t recall. Don’t guess or lie. Get professional legal advice. Usually, it is free at the police station. You can bring your own solicitor.

18. “Would you be willing to provide a written statement or go on record with your account?”

Why They Ask:
They want a permanent record of your version. Changing your story later looks bad. If you commit to a statement now without careful consideration, you risk trapping yourself in possible inconsistencies.

How to Handle It:
Consult your solicitor before agreeing to provide a formal statement. A solicitor can help draft it accurately and advise whether it’s wise to provide one at this stage. Get professional legal advice. Usually, it is free at the police station. You can bring your own solicitor.

19. “Is there any reason we should believe you knew about this crime in advance?”

Why They Ask:
They’re probing for pre-knowledge which could indicate planning or forethought. If you show signs of knowing details only someone involved would know, that raises suspicion.

How to Handle It:
If no prior knowledge, say you had none. Keep it short and confident. If you inadvertently learned something (maybe from gossip), explain neutrally. Get professional legal advice. Usually, it is free at the police station. You can bring your own solicitor.

20. “Do you have anything else you want to tell us about what happened?”

Why They Ask:
This open-ended question invites you to volunteer information you haven’t mentioned. It can also trap you if you suddenly recall something incriminating or contradictory.

How to Handle It:
If you’ve said all you need under advice from your solicitor, you might politely say you’ve nothing more to add. Don’t feel pressured to fill the silence. Get professional legal advice. Usually, it is free at the police station. You can bring your own solicitor.

Understanding Why the Police Ask These Questions

Voluntary interviews let the police gather information without placing you under arrest. They often hope you’ll speak more freely, believing you can walk out anytime. The questions aim to:

• Test your credibility.

• Identify contradictions or lies.

• Secure admissions or partial confessions.

• Elicit details that fill gaps in their timeline.

How to Protect Yourself During a Voluntary Police Interview

1. Seek Legal Advice:
   You have the right to a solicitor. Use it. They’ll advise on which questions to answer and which to handle carefully.

2. Stay Calm and Polite:
   Being defensive, aggressive, or overly emotional can raise suspicion. Keep your composure.

3. Don’t Guess or Speculate:
   If uncertain, say you’re not sure. Guessing can lead to inconsistencies that harm credibility.

4. Take Your Time:
   You don’t have to respond instantly. Pausing to think or consulting your solicitor is allowed and wise.

5. Be Truthful, But Not Overly Volunteering:
   Don’t lie—lies can unravel easily and harm your case. But also don’t overshare. Stick to answering the question asked, and if in doubt, say nothing until you’ve got legal input.

How Can a Solicitor Help You in a Caution Plus 3 Interview?

Post-Interview Outcomes

After the interview, possible outcomes include:

• No Further Action (NFA):
  The police decide not to proceed. You’re free, but your arrest and interview remain on record.

• Release Under Investigation (RUI):
  The police need more time to gather evidence. You remain not charged or on bail, but the matter’s not over. Stay in touch with your solicitor.

• Charge:
  If the evidence supports it, the police may charge you. Then you must appear in court.

• Caution (If Admitting a Lesser Offence):
  In some cases, if you admit wrongdoing in a minor offence, you might be offered a caution. But for serious offences, this is less likely. Get professional legal advice. Usually, it is free at the police station. You can bring your own solicitor.

Impact on Your Future

Even without a charge or conviction, a voluntary police interview may remain on police records. Enhanced DBS checks could reveal it under certain circumstances. However, if you avoid making incriminating statements and handle the interview wisely, the impact should be minimal if no charges follow.

If charged but not convicted after all, you have no criminal conviction on your record. You might still consider seeking legal help to see if you can expunge or remove certain references (though the UK’s laws on expungement are limited).

Additional FAQs

Q: Can I refuse a voluntary police interview?
Yes, you can refuse, but the police might then consider arresting you to question you. It’s often better to attend with a solicitor rather than refuse. Get professional legal advice. Usually, it is free at the police station. You can bring your own solicitor.

Q: Will I get a criminal record if I attend a voluntary interview and nothing more happens?
No conviction means no criminal record. However, a record of the interview and arrest may still exist internally with the police.

Q: Can I bring a friend or family member for support?
Typically, you can bring a solicitor. A friend or relative’s presence depends on police discretion, and usually, they allow only your solicitor inside the interview room, unless you are a vulnerable person entitled to an appropriate adult.

Q: If I make a mistake and say something misleading, can I correct it later?
You can attempt to clarify matters in subsequent communications, but the initial inconsistency might raise suspicion. Better to remain careful from the start.

Q: What if the police try to pressure me into talking without my solicitor?
You have the right to legal advice. Politely but firmly insist on waiting for your solicitor. Police attempts to rush you can be politely resisted.

Conclusion

A voluntary police interview might seem less threatening than being arrested, but the stakes remain high. The questions police ask—about your whereabouts, knowledge, contacts, and actions—aim to build a picture that can either clear or incriminate you. Understanding the potential questions and why they’re asked helps you respond effectively.

Remember, you’re under no obligation to self-incriminate, and silence (when guided by a solicitor) is a legitimate option. Stay calm, be truthful but cautious, and consider seeking legal advice before and during the interview. Knowing what to expect increases your chances of navigating the situation with minimal harm to your future interests.