Police caution (the caution wording)

The warning police must give before questioning a suspect: you do not have to say anything, but staying silent may harm your defence.

The police caution is the formal warning an officer must give when arresting you and before questioning you about a suspected offence. Under PACE Code C it says: "You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in Court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence." It confirms your right to silence, but warns that a court may be allowed to draw an adverse inference if you later rely on a fact you could reasonably have mentioned. You can ask the officer to explain it. It is different from a simple or conditional caution, which is a way of dealing with an offence without going to court. Where you have not been allowed to consult a solicitor, a shorter version without the warning about harming your defence is used.

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