Countless notifications pop up on your device day to day – from worldwide news to local events. That is until one notification catches your eye – you’ve been contacted by a police officer for a record of interview.
Police interviews can be an unfamiliar and overwhelming process. Before attending a record of interview, understand your rights, the risks involved, and how legal assistance can be of help.
What is a record of interview?
You may be asked to attend a record of interview for an offence you have been alleged to have committed, or as a support person for an offence a child is alleged to have committed. Interviews will be conducted with audio and/or video recording equipment.
What are your rights?
Unless you are under arrest, you are under no obligation to attend an interview.
If you do agree to attend an interview, police officers will remind you of your rights prior to commencing, including:
- The right to remain to leave at any time unless arrested.
- The right to remain silent and not answer particular questions.
- The right to answer without threats, promises, or intimidation.
What are the risks of attending an interview?
While interviews might seem like an opportunity to provide your perspective, they may be used against you and often involve inherent risks. These include:
- Anything said will be recorded and cannot be redacted, whether true or not.
- Disclosing unknown information to the police that may lead to more charges or more serious charges.
- Misunderstanding or incorrectly answering questions due to nervousness.
When should I contact a lawyer?
If you are unsure whether to attend an interview of not, you should seek legal advice. If you have already agreed to an interview, you have the right to contact and arrange for a lawyer to accompany you during questioning. While lawyers cannot interfere with the interview, they can advise whether you are required to answer a question and provide further legal advice. They may further help by seeking clarification on a question itself and challenging the way a question is put or any improper questions.
How can Robertson O’Gorman help?
If you or someone you know have been contacted to attend an interview, Robertson O’Gorman Solicitors can support you throughout the interview process from start to finish and ensure your best interests are protected.