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UK
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USA
What to do if…
police ask you to come in for an interview, photograph, or recording
Short answer
Before agreeing voluntarily to go in, be photographed, be recorded, or answer questions, ask whether the request is voluntary and pause to speak with a criminal defense lawyer. Do not ignore paperwork or a deadline; show any paperwork to a lawyer promptly.
Do not do these things
- Do not assume a request to clear things up is low-risk or informal.
- Do not volunteer for an interview, recorded statement, or written statement before speaking with a lawyer.
- Do not voluntarily agree to photos or recordings before getting legal advice.
- Do not consent to a search just to appear cooperative.
- Do not ignore paperwork, a stated deadline, or a request to appear.
- Do not lie, guess, or fill silence with extra details.
- Do not delete texts, photos, location history, social posts, or call logs after law enforcement contacts you.
- Do not ask a friend or relative to act as a substitute for a lawyer.
What to do now
- Ask whether the request is voluntary. Say: “Am I required to come in, or is this voluntary?” If you are already there, ask: “Am I free to leave?”
- If it is voluntary, pause the conversation. Say: “I am not agreeing to an interview, photo, or recording before I speak with a lawyer.” End the conversation politely.
- If you are told that you are not free to leave, state your position clearly. Say: “I want to remain silent. I want a lawyer.” Avoid answering substantive questions. Follow lawful instructions without arguing.
- If paperwork is mentioned, ask for a copy. Note who issued it, any court or agency named on it, and any deadline or appearance date. Do not try to decide by yourself what the paperwork requires. Show it to a lawyer promptly.
- Treat a photo or recording request seriously. Ask: “Is this voluntary?” If it is voluntary, do not agree until you have had legal advice.
- Write down the contact details. Record the date and time, the agency, the name and contact details provided, what was requested, and any deadline mentioned.
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer promptly. The American Bar Association lawyer referral directory can help you find state and local bar association referral services. If you are in custody or charged and cannot afford a lawyer, ask how to request appointed counsel.
- Preserve existing records. Do not delete or alter messages, photos, posts, or call logs. You do not need to organise them or write an explanation right now.
- Avoid creating casual written accounts. Do not discuss the facts by text, social media, or public posts before getting legal advice.
What can wait
- You do not need to explain everything immediately or prove your innocence in a first conversation.
- You do not need to decide immediately whether to attend a voluntary interview.
- You do not need to build a case, write a narrative, or contact witnesses right now.
- You do not need to sort through preserved records unless a lawyer advises you to do so.
Important reassurance
A request from law enforcement can feel urgent even when it is voluntary. Asking whether you are required to attend and pausing for legal advice is a reasonable first step.
Scope note
These are first steps only. Later decisions may need specialist legal help because the next step can depend on the state, the agency, the paperwork, and whether you are being approached as a witness, a suspect, or for another reason.
Important note
This is general information, not legal advice or professional advice. Rules and procedures can vary by state, agency, and situation. A lawyer can advise you about the specific request and any paperwork.
Additional Resources
About this guide
This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.