A Police Invitation for a Voluntary Interview
Discussion
Tom1312 said:
Though why you've taken issue with them trying to arrange it during their work time is hardly their fault, when else would you expect them to do it? If anything I think they've been decent in giving you so much time.
My reasoning was that it's not possible for me to take time off from work as I have a full diary of pre-booked appointments traveling far and wide and therefore need to suit me to an extent (on the basis that I was invited to choose a date). I stated that Saturday morning doesn't impact me so much (although it is usually the only day I don't have to wake to an alarm clock). The problem was that the officer wouldn't reply for two or three days and then I wouldn't see that response for one or two. That then accounted for a week (plus the officer not paying proper attention that I said Saturday not Sunday as she kept proposing). Some of the dates the dates proposed were between Christmas and New Year and I was out of the country (just like she was on leave before that).
I tried as best I could to play ball, but her shift rota was just not working for me, hence I asked if on a Saturday someone could cover her to get the interview done. She didn't reply to that.
blueg33 said:
Why are the police dicking about with this when the could be sorting out the sex offence my daughter and her friend we subject to back in May!
It’s a rhetorical question but it strikes me that the priorities are all wrong.
Because the police only go for the law-abiding low-hanging fruit who are all the compliant "I've never been in trouble with the police before, I'll do whatever you need to help you with your enquiries" types who fall right into their trap and incriminate themselves on the tape, nicely boosting the police's solved crime stats without them having to get up off their arses and do any real police work. The police absolutely love these types. Meanwhile, all the career crims continue to rape, murder, stab, burgle and steal, knowing that the police will do absolutely nothing other than generate a crime ref no. for their insurance co.It’s a rhetorical question but it strikes me that the priorities are all wrong.
Voluntary Interview - the origins of the name stem from approximately 2000. The name was chosen by a few Police Officers over a McDonald's breakfast in Dunstable. The idea being to confuse anyone who thought coming in for a Police interview under caution, into believing they were applying for a job. Initially it was planned to just have a bright table lamp and a phone book to conduct the interview, but after consultation with the kangaroo Court, it was decided that it should be PACE compliant. The practice and name was soon picked up by Police Forces across the UK. To this date there have been 1b tricked into making a false confession in these interviews. A number the Home Office is hoping to increase by 2024
Glassman said:
My reasoning was that it's not possible for me to take time off from work as I have a full diary of pre-booked appointments traveling far and wide and therefore need to suit me to an extent (on the basis that I was invited to choose a date). I stated that Saturday morning doesn't impact me so much (although it is usually the only day I don't have to wake to an alarm clock).
The problem was that the officer wouldn't reply for two or three days and then I wouldn't see that response for one or two. That then accounted for a week (plus the officer not paying proper attention that I said Saturday not Sunday as she kept proposing). Some of the dates the dates proposed were between Christmas and New Year and I was out of the country (just like she was on leave before that).
I tried as best I could to play ball, but her shift rota was just not working for me, hence I asked if on a Saturday someone could cover her to get the interview done. She didn't reply to that.
The time you've spent writing up all this on PH this afternoon you could have done the interview by now.The problem was that the officer wouldn't reply for two or three days and then I wouldn't see that response for one or two. That then accounted for a week (plus the officer not paying proper attention that I said Saturday not Sunday as she kept proposing). Some of the dates the dates proposed were between Christmas and New Year and I was out of the country (just like she was on leave before that).
I tried as best I could to play ball, but her shift rota was just not working for me, hence I asked if on a Saturday someone could cover her to get the interview done. She didn't reply to that.
Glassman said:
My reasoning was that it's not possible for me to take time off from work as I have a full diary of pre-booked appointments traveling far and wide and therefore need to suit me to an extent (on the basis that I was invited to choose a date). I stated that Saturday morning doesn't impact me so much (although it is usually the only day I don't have to wake to an alarm clock).
The problem was that the officer wouldn't reply for two or three days and then I wouldn't see that response for one or two. That then accounted for a week (plus the officer not paying proper attention that I said Saturday not Sunday as she kept proposing). Some of the dates the dates proposed were between Christmas and New Year and I was out of the country (just like she was on leave before that).
I tried as best I could to play ball, but her shift rota was just not working for me, hence I asked if on a Saturday someone could cover her to get the interview done. She didn't reply to that.
The time you've spent writing up all this on PH this afternoon you could have done the interview by now.The problem was that the officer wouldn't reply for two or three days and then I wouldn't see that response for one or two. That then accounted for a week (plus the officer not paying proper attention that I said Saturday not Sunday as she kept proposing). Some of the dates the dates proposed were between Christmas and New Year and I was out of the country (just like she was on leave before that).
I tried as best I could to play ball, but her shift rota was just not working for me, hence I asked if on a Saturday someone could cover her to get the interview done. She didn't reply to that.
blueg33 said:
Why are the police dicking about with this when the could be sorting out the sex offence my daughter and her friend we subject to back in May!
It’s a rhetorical question but it strikes me that the priorities are all wrong.
The same Officer is unlikely to be investigating both offences.It’s a rhetorical question but it strikes me that the priorities are all wrong.
Are you even in the same area as the OP?
r3g said:
blueg33 said:
Why are the police dicking about with this when the could be sorting out the sex offence my daughter and her friend we subject to back in May!
It’s a rhetorical question but it strikes me that the priorities are all wrong.
Because the police only go for the law-abiding low-hanging fruit who are all the compliant "I've never been in trouble with the police before, I'll do whatever you need to help you with your enquiries" types who fall right into their trap and incriminate themselves on the tape, nicely boosting the police's solved crime stats without them having to get up off their arses and do any real police work. The police absolutely love these types. Meanwhile, all the career crims continue to rape, murder, stab, burgle and steal, knowing that the police will do absolutely nothing other than generate a crime ref no. for their insurance co.It’s a rhetorical question but it strikes me that the priorities are all wrong.
Hammersia said:
The time you've spent writing up all this on PH this afternoon you could have done the interview by now.
A bit difficult to attend an interview when the officer hasn't responded for 13 days. But, I did use my time wisely though, and went to have my knee looked at by a specialist. A pre-booked appointment no less.
Glassman said:
Hammersia said:
The time you've spent writing up all this on PH this afternoon you could have done the interview by now.
A bit difficult to attend an interview when the officer hasn't responded for 13 days. 
Nibbles_bits said:
Glassman said:
Hammersia said:
The time you've spent writing up all this on PH this afternoon you could have done the interview by now.
A bit difficult to attend an interview when the officer hasn't responded for 13 days. Glassman said:
Nibbles_bits said:
Glassman said:
Hammersia said:
The time you've spent writing up all this on PH this afternoon you could have done the interview by now.
A bit difficult to attend an interview when the officer hasn't responded for 13 days. Best be careful.
"Voluntary" is a bit of an unfortunate term; it's voluntary to the extent that the person interviewed agrees to go, and is given the advice at the start that they are free to leave at any time...but if the interview hasn't finished that MAY (may!) provide sufficient grounds to be arrested. It's still a significant step up from being arrested - many hours shorter and no time spent in a cell etc, and at a mutually convenient time.
https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/... provides a decent overview of the case law around this.
https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/... provides a decent overview of the case law around this.
r3g said:
It's not voluntary then, is it ? 
....
As I keep saying - and will continue to keep saying - the police work on lies, coercion, manipulation, threats and deception to trap people into doing what they want them to do.
You do realise that the police don't make the rules/legislation don't you? They are made for them to abide by. ....As I keep saying - and will continue to keep saying - the police work on lies, coercion, manipulation, threats and deception to trap people into doing what they want them to do.
caziques said:
Just so I understand things, "an arrest can become a necessity because the OP won't attend a voluntary interview"?
Looks like retaliation to me.
An arrest for refusing to talk to the police would be interesting.
Of course, after an arrest anyone can remain silent. Although in the US you have to inform the police you are choosing to remain silent.
Until the 200's there used to be arrestable offences, meaning if the police suspected you of committing one they would arrest you, not because of who you are or for anything about you as a person, but because of the offence you were suspected of. Theft was an arrestable offence so all shoplifters got arrested. If you had shoplifted and the police identified you a few days later they would catch up with you and you'd be spontaneously arrested and taken to the cells for a few hours and interviewed. That could have quite an impact if you missed a day at work (shoplifters dont work!) etc.Looks like retaliation to me.
An arrest for refusing to talk to the police would be interesting.
Of course, after an arrest anyone can remain silent. Although in the US you have to inform the police you are choosing to remain silent.
Things then changed so that the offence wasn't the primary factor relating to if someone was arrested, instead the decision was made based on the individual, such as the risk they presented to others, would they continue the offence, would they attend court etc. So a shoplifter may no longer get arrested and instead be invited to attend a voluntary interview at a time to suit all parties.
Why the change? Well if I remember correctly it may have been because arresting someone gives them a police record of being arrested. There was a famous celebrity who was arrested and kept in custody, then released without charge (not Cliff Richard!!). I think he was behind a push for the change. So if the police had suspected you of a crime, arrested you and released you without charge you'd have a police record of being arrested. With the voluntary interview method, if you didn't get changed/summoned then you don't get any record of being arrested. The end result is the same, but you now don't have a blemish on your record and your boss hasn't fired you for not turning up at work.
Edited by The Gauge on Thursday 25th January 22:08
Nibbles_bits said:
Voluntary Interview - the origins of the name stem from approximately 2000. The name was chosen by a few Police Officers over a McDonald's breakfast in Dunstable. The idea being to confuse anyone who thought coming in for a Police interview under caution, into believing they were applying for a job. Initially it was planned to just have a bright table lamp and a phone book to conduct the interview, but after consultation with the kangaroo Court, it was decided that it should be PACE compliant. The practice and name was soon picked up by Police Forces across the UK. To this date there have been 1b tricked into making a false confession in these interviews. A number the Home Office is hoping to increase by 2024
I was arranging and carrying out voluntary / out of custody system interviews long before 2000. As neighbourhoods we were regularly tasked with these jobs when requested by other forces and other divisions within my force as our hours were more flexible and appointments could be easier made and kept. President Merkin said:
The Police are not your friends, do not trust them.
Very much this in my only dealings similar to the OP.It really was an eye-opener.
Back to the OPs point. I ignored them for a couple of months but eventually got threatened that I could be arrested so made the appointment. Didn't want to test the system any further.
ChocolateFrog said:
President Merkin said:
The Police are not your friends, do not trust them.
Very much this in my only dealings similar to the OP.It really was an eye-opener.
If my experience hadn't happened to me I wouldn't have believed it could happen to anyone. It has totally altered my perception of the police and prosecution service.
Bigends said:
Serving Cops - do you still carry out contemp interviews at home addresses?
I do. So much easier! Only time I don't is if they want a solicitor as most the time they won't go to someone's house. A few have though. Edit - We have a policy for certain offences only being allowed to be VAd on BWV. DAs are normally a no. Summary only offences are OK. And some either way.
Most of mine are traffic related so ok unless it's serious injury.
Edited by LosingGrip on Thursday 25th January 23:15
Nibbles_bits said:
blueg33 said:
Why are the police dicking about with this when the could be sorting out the sex offence my daughter and her friend we subject to back in May!
It’s a rhetorical question but it strikes me that the priorities are all wrong.
The same Officer is unlikely to be investigating both offences.It’s a rhetorical question but it strikes me that the priorities are all wrong.
Are you even in the same area as the OP?
I would put money on the police in the same area as the op having done sod all about some much more serious crimes than a petty dispute with a kid football team.
Edited by blueg33 on Friday 26th January 04:01
r3g said:
Greendubber said:
It's not retaliation at all and quite honestly only a fool would think that.
The arrest becomes necessary as the investigation needs to progress. If someone is refusing to come for a voluntary interview what do you suggest the police do, not bother and just forget about it?
Also, you would not be arrested for 'refusing to talk to police' but the original offence that they are investigating.
It's not voluntary then, is it ? The arrest becomes necessary as the investigation needs to progress. If someone is refusing to come for a voluntary interview what do you suggest the police do, not bother and just forget about it?
Also, you would not be arrested for 'refusing to talk to police' but the original offence that they are investigating.
Proof (not that it were ever needed) that the police are not the brightest crayons when they are unable to understand the difference. If something is voluntary then the person has the choice in doing it or not doing it, without anything else happening if they decide not to do it. What you are saying is that it is not voluntary at all, it is a compulsory requirement, ie. an order, and if you do not comply then we will come to your house or wherever we believe you are located and arrest you to force you to comply. That is NOT voluntary. As I keep saying - and will continue to keep saying - the police work on lies, coercion, manipulation, threats and deception to trap people into doing what they want them to do.
ks, it's obvious you have no idea what you're talking about. Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff