VOLUNTARY INTERVIEW

---

Receiving an invitation to attend a voluntary police interview relating to a sexual offence can feel overwhelming and frightening. Whether it’s regarding a recent allegation or something said to have happened many years ago, it’s important to understand what this means and how best to protect yourself.

This guide explains what a voluntary interview is, why you should take it seriously, and what steps to take—especially when the stakes are as high as they are with sexual offence allegations.

A voluntary interview—also known as a Caution+3 interview—is a formal police interview under caution, but you are not under arrest. You attend by arrangement and are technically free to leave at any time.

However, the fact that it’s voluntary doesn’t make it informal or low-risk. You will be cautioned at the outset, meaning anything you say can be used as evidence in court. These interviews often occur in sensitive investigations involving sexual offences where the police are building a case before deciding whether to make an arrest.

You may have been asked to attend due to:

• A historical complaint made by someone you knew (or didn’t know) years ago
   
• An allegation arising from online or digital activity (e.g. messaging, photo sharing)
   
• A report made by a former partner or acquaintance
   
• A child protection referral or safeguarding concern
   

The allegation may be vague or completely unknown to you until the interview. It’s crucial not to try and explain yourself to police without understanding the context of the allegation or the evidence being relied on.

Yes. Legal representation is vital when attending any police interview, but especially so in cases involving sexual offences. These are some of the most serious allegations a person can face and the consequences—if charged—can be life-changing.

A solicitor will:

• Ensure you are fully informed about the allegation and any evidence
   
• Help you understand your rights, options, and risks
   
• Represent you throughout the interview
   
• Prevent inappropriate or unfair lines of questioning
   
• Advise whether to answer questions, provide a statement or make no comment
   

You are entitled to have your own solicitor, even at a voluntary interview. Having a solicitor is not an admission of guilt—it’s your right, and exercising it helps ensure fairness and protects your interests.

The interview will take place at a police station and will be audio (sometimes video) recorded. You will be cautioned:

“You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

Questions may relate to:

• A specific incident or period of time
   
• Your relationship with the complainant
   
• Communications such as messages, emails, or images
   
• Digital devices (including phones and computers)
   
• Your movements or location at certain times
   

The police may have very little evidence—or they may have already conducted detailed digital or forensic analysis. You may not be told exactly what they know, which is why you should never assume it’s “just a chat.”

After the interview, there are several possible outcomes:

• No Further Action (NFA): If there is insufficient evidence or the allegation is withdrawn, the case may be dropped.
   
• Further investigation: The police may seize devices, request further statements, or seek forensic results.
   
• CPS decision: If evidence is deemed sufficient, the matter may be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision.
   
• Re-bail or return: You may be asked to return to the station at a later date.
   

These decisions can take weeks or even months. In the meantime, your solicitor can liaise with police on your behalf and provide regular updates.

Sexual offence investigations are sensitive, complex, and highly distressing for those involved. Even a false or mistaken allegation can have devastating personal, professional, and reputational consequences.

That’s why you should not attend alone. Our team specialises in representing individuals in cases involving:

• Allegations of rape or sexual assault
   
• Historical sex offences
   
• Indecent images or online sexual communication
   
• Child sexual exploitation
   
• Consent disputes
   
• False accusations
   

We understand the stress and stigma these allegations bring—and we’re here to support and defend you every step of the way.

If you’ve been invited to a voluntary police interview in connection with a sexual offence, don’t delay in seeking legal advice. Early legal involvement can help you avoid missteps and give you the strongest possible protection.