The Voluntary Interview Strategy.

The "voluntary" police interview is a critical juncture in any investigation. It is formal, recorded, and evidentially significant. For many professionals, it represents the first, and sometimes only, opportunity to directly address the allegations before a charging decision is made.

Preparation and Strategy

Attending an interview without meticulous preparation is a fundamental error. Our approach focuses on establishing control before the interview begins.

1. Securing Pre-Interview Disclosure

Craig negotiates robustly with investigators to obtain advance disclosure: a summary of the allegations and the evidence they hold. This is not an automatic right, and investigators often attempt to withhold crucial details to maintain a tactical advantage.

2. Analysing the Disclosure

Once disclosure is obtained, Craig analyses it against your account, identifying the specific legal elements the police must prove and the evidential gaps in their case.

3. Determining the Approach

Based on the disclosure and his analysis, Craig advises on the optimal strategy:

• Answering Questions: Appropriate when you have a clear, verifiable defence and the police have provided adequate disclosure.
• Exercising the Right to Silence: Necessary when disclosure is inadequate, or when answering questions would inadvertently assist the investigators in building their case.
• The Prepared Statement: A powerful strategic tool. A carefully drafted written statement outlining your defence is submitted, followed by a "no comment" interview. This places your account on record, demonstrating cooperation, while protecting you from unscripted cross-examination.