If you are arrested keep your cool.

• Don’t resist arrest or extra charges can be laid against you.
• Be polite at all times.
• Ask why you are being arrested.
• It is better to give your name, address and date of birth.
• Before you have an interview, tell police you want to speak to VALS or a solicitor.

At the police interview

• If you are under 17yrs of age you must have an adult present (other than a police officer).
• Only talk about the offence the police have charged you with.
• If you are abusive or swear during the interview, extra charges can be laid against you.
• If you have been mistreated by the police, contact VALS immediately for advice

If you decide not to talk to police (a “no comment interview”)

• Give your name, address and date of birth at the beginning of the interview.
• Then tell police that you are making a no comment interview.
• You must answer no comment to all other questions, not just some of them.