Interview under caution

A recorded police interview in which you are questioned about a suspected offence after being cautioned, whether under arrest or not.

An interview under caution is formal questioning by police about your suspected involvement in an offence, after you have been given the police caution. It is usually audio recorded, and sometimes video recorded, under PACE Codes E and F, and the recording can be used as evidence in court. It may take place after arrest at the police station, or as a voluntary interview, where you are not under arrest and are free to leave, although police could decide to arrest you. In either case you are entitled to free legal advice, and a solicitor can attend with you. Before the interview, police should give you or your solicitor enough information about the allegation to understand it, often called pre-interview disclosure. You can answer questions, give a no comment interview or hand in a prepared statement. Under-18s and vulnerable adults must have an appropriate adult present.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.