The RSPCA sometimes call upon the Police to help them. They insist that they want to want to interview you and persuade the police to arrest you so that they may do so.
The RSPCA do not have the right to conduct an interview at a Police Station.
This is a guide to your rights on arrest.
THE ARREST
- The police will caution you.
- Our suggested response:-
"I have no comment to make until I have taken legal advice"
Remember
- Keep calm and do not panic.
- Think before you talk.
- Anything you say can later be used against you.
- There is no such thing as a "friendly chat" to sort things out.
- Do not discuss the case with the police until you have consulted privately with a solicitor.
IN THE POLICE STATION
- Above all else, try to keep calm.
- Make sure the correct time of your arrest is on the custody record.
- Make sure you know why you have been arrested.
- Insist on seeing a solicitor.
We strongly recommend that you:
- Answer "no comment" to all questions.
- Do not write a statement.
- Do not sign a statement written by the police.
- Do not sign any police paperwork or notebooks.
Until you have seen a solicitor-
- Do not be put off seeing a solicitor by the police.
- It is your right and it is free.
- Ask the solicitor to be present when you are interviewed.
BE WARY OF ANY SOLICITOR WHO TELLS YOU TO BE INTERVIEWED BY THE RSPCA.
You always have the right:
- To be treated humanely and with respect.
- To see the written codes governing your rights and how you are treated.
- To speak to the custody officer. He is responsible for you while you are under arrest
- To know why you have been arrested
- To talk with a solicitor privately.
- To have someone notified of your arrest (not to make a phone call yourself).
- To ask for medical attention should you feel unwell.
- To have access to writing materials to make notes of everything that happens.
- You cannot be locked up indefinitely.
The police can only keep you for a certain period of time - normally a maximum of 24 hours (36 hours for a serious arrestable offence).