Advice needed please - Interview with police on Tuesday

Savvy_Sue

ofb, I thought that was the case but didn't like to say so in case I was wrong! Hope that helps the OP.

sexyeyes83

Thank you both for your advice.

I want to take some legal representation along with me, however does anyone know how much soliciators charge? Would it be one fee or do they charge per hour? Do soliciators open on Saturdays for advice?

Once again thanks for your help, it really is appreciated. Once all this is over with, im going to be handing my notice in. Theres no support for carers that are put in this situation. Im going to look for a job in another sector.

Elspeth

I'm afraid I can't answer your questions but just wanted to say that I think you've not been treated very well (understatement) by your employers and hope it goes ok on Tuesday.

I'm sure I'd be petrified too, but the important thing to remember is that this your opportunity to get your side of the story recorded. So I'd say just make sure you are really clear on the facts (dates, times etc) before you go in, and then just tell them how it was. With a bit of luck they'll spot that your version is correct straightaway, but (given that they're paid to be sceptical) they might ask some questions that feel difficult but if you're clear about what happened then it should make it easier for you not to feel flustered.

As onlyforboards said, this is fact-finding. I will keep my fingers crossed it goes really well but even if you feel it doesn't it is not the end of the world as you will have other opportunities to set the record straight. But like I said, hopefully after Tuesday it will soon be sorted.

I'm sure other people will be along to give proper advice in a bit (after their first coffee!) but I've found couple of links that might help a bit. The first is aimed at someone suspected of benefit fraud but has some general advice too and a list of contacts at the end:
http://www.advicenow.org.uk/advicenow-guides/problems-with-benefits/how-to-handle-an-interview-under-caution/

This one: http://www.affect.org.uk/information/police_statement.htm is actually about making a statement but has some reassuring general advice and good tips.

Hope you can relax to eat and sleep enough. Might not be your 'thing' but I find following a guided meditation works wonders before interviews and tough meetings (I like 'Fill With Light' free on iTunes podcasts but there are lots of others too).

Ellie x

Bossyboots

sexyeyes83 wrote: »

Thank you both for your advice.

I want to take some legal representation along with me, however does anyone know how much soliciators charge? Would it be one fee or do they charge per hour? Do soliciators open on Saturdays for advice?

Once again thanks for your help, it really is appreciated. Once all this is over with, im going to be handing my notice in. Theres no support for carers that are put in this situation. Im going to look for a job in another sector.

It will be totally free. You need to find a solicitor specialising in criminal work that is a registered police station representative under the legal aid scheme. First thing Monday you need to get a list of local solicitors in your area who do this type of work. Go to http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing/findasolicitor.law and fill in the search criteria as necessary. Then call them in turn. Don't worry if it says on the law society site that they don't do legal aid. That is not always correct but you should check anyway just to be sure. The legal aid scheme covering police station representation is free to all, regardless of income. Most firms can have someone available for the next day or you might have ring a few but it is unlikely you will not find anyone to help. If that does fail, you must ask for the duty solicitor to be called. Don't be put off by claims by the police that this will delay things. You need a solicitor with you and if you have to wait so be it. Do not go into the interview alone. In reality, the duty solicitor call centre are likely to be able to track a solicitor down to be with you in less than an hour, or indeed, within 20 minutes but it would be better if you could find someone on Monday to pre-book to be there with you. Firms are used to being called on Mondays with things that cropped up over the weekend. Just take a deep breath and start dialling at 9.00 a.m Monday.

Savvy_Sue

Bossyboots wrote: »

The legal aid scheme covering police station representation is free to all, regardless of income.

I never knew that! I knew if you were arrested you could have the duty solicitor, but didn't know that you could have one for a statement under caution, or that you could ring round and find your own.

SO glad you dropped into the thread, BB!

beverleyhills

I just wanted to wish you well for the interview. More able people than myself have given you advice.

Sometimes a client can be very manipulative.

sexyeyes83

Thank you all so much for your help and wishes.

Ive had a read through the links and found that quite helpful. Its also put my mind at rest regarding a solicitor. I had visions of having to pay hundreds of pounds for one. Regarding the duty solicitor though, the officer said that If I want representation I would need to arrange it beforehand as it cant be done on the day.

Its just all the waiting at the moment.I just wish it was all over and done with so I could enjoy the weekend. My partners contacted his work to try and get the next 3 days off to be with me.

I phoned the police again this morning to see if there was any update to my complaint. I was told that they spoke to the officer last night and asked him to call me to explain the procedure but his reply was "Ive already spoken to her, she will have to wait till Tuesday".

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

The police are conducting a criminal investigation. They arent going to risk that just because you continually harass them. You need to wait til tuesday and see what exactly is said.

The fact that the police are investigating again suggests they have some evidence.

Secondly people criticising the employer clearly have never worked in the care industry. an extremely serious allegation has been made and it would be inevitable the company has to suspend etc.

As for your husband taking the time off. what exactly is the point unless its to look after dependents. He will only get in the way at the police station etc.

You'd do yourself a big favour if you stopped harassing the police officer. He may be far more difficult to deal with otherwise.

sexyeyes83

LinasPilibaitisisbatman wrote: »

The police are conducting a criminal investigation. They arent going to risk that just because you continually harass them. You need to wait til tuesday and see what exactly is said.

The fact that the police are investigating again suggests they have some evidence.

Secondly people criticising the employer clearly have never worked in the care industry. an extremely serious allegation has been made and it would be inevitable the company has to suspend etc.

As for your husband taking the time off. what exactly is the point unless its to look after dependents. He will only get in the way at the police station etc.

You'd do yourself a big favour if you stopped harassing the police officer. He may be far more difficult to deal with otherwise.

Im aware that this is a criminal matter the police are investigating. I can hardly see how I have harassed them. He left me a message on Tuesday and it took me until 2245hrs last night to get back in touch with him.

Ive never been in trouble with the police before and it would have been nice if he could have explained the procedure to me, what an interview under caution means etc. He was on duty last night and I was willing to see him then to get this sorted, is that too much to ask?

I havent critiscied my employer for suspending me, however the way they went about it left a lot to be desired. I thought maybe at least once in the 12 days ive currently been off they would have phoned me with some kind of update.

As I said, ive never been in any trouble with the police before, and for me this is a big deal. My partner is taking the time off to be here with me for support. I never said he was going to come down to the police station, however it will be nice for him to be at home when I come back. He's just as worried as I am.

Im aware that the police officer couldnt give any information about the new information, but maybe for him to explain the procedure was asking a bit too much if thats what you class as harassing. Never being involved with the police before, im guessing this is the service you are to expect.

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

sexyeyes83 wrote: »

Im aware that this is a criminal matter the police are investigating. I can hardly see how I have harassed them. He left me a message on Tuesday and it took me until 2245hrs last night to get back in touch with him.

And you have kept trying to get in touch since despite not being able to be told anything more

Ive never been in trouble with the police before and it would have been nice if he could have explained the procedure to me, what an interview under caution means etc. He was on duty last night and I was willing to see him then to get this sorted, is that too much to ask?

Yes, asking two police officers to stay off the street on a friday night at short notice is. I am sure crime will stop for you

I havent critiscied my employer for suspending me, however the way they went about it left a lot to be desired. I thought maybe at least once in the 12 days ive currently been off they would have phoned me with some kind of update.

Why? the outcome of the police investigation is clearly vital

As I said, ive never been in any trouble with the police before, and for me this is a big deal. My partner is taking the time off to be here with me for support. I never said he was going to come down to the police station, however it will be nice for him to be at home when I come back. He's just as worried as I am.

Im aware that the police officer couldnt give any information about the new information, but maybe for him to explain the procedure was asking a bit too much if thats what you class as harassing. Never being involved with the police before, im guessing this is the service you are to expect.

Yes lets ignore knife crime etc because someone can't wait a few days. If you genuinely havent done anything wrong you have nothing to worry about.