__________      __  ________________                    
 /   _____/  \    /  \/  _  \__    ___/___ _____    _____  
 \_____  \\   \/\/   /  /_\  \|    |_/ __ \\__  \  /     \ 
 /        \\        /    |    \    |\  ___/ / __ \|  Y Y  \
/_______  / \__/\  /\____|__  /____| \___  >____  /__|_|  /
        \/       \/         \/           \/     \/      \/ 
 [ 1998 - 2010  - Hacking, Phreaking & Anarchy in the UK ]

January 12 2010 . Author Unknown
----------------------------------------------------------
[         Surviving Police Interrogation                 ]
----------------------------------------------------------


OK a few articles exist regarding "interrogation" but they are psychology based
rather than "real-life" based... so I thought I'd type up a few pointers I've
picked up over the years :)

Firstly - go out and get a solicitor... doesn't matter if you aren't being charged
with anything... get some details and you're a step closer to getting off
scot-free...

Getting a Solicitor
-------------------
Check Yellow Pages, Check The Web, Phone Around... find someone with IT / Computer
Law Experience - Arrange to come in and meet them have a chat about their
services - find out if they are CDS (Criminal Defence Service) registered (get all
your court costs paid if you are on less than around £25,000 p/a). Get A Card...
You’re fixed :)

The Cops Are Here!
------------------
OK... in the words of Clive Dunn... don’t panic!! .. Try and stay calm, co-operate
with the police fully... try and take in as much detail as you can (i.e name of
arresting officer, whether your rights were read to you, what warrants were shown to
you - etc). Stay silent (other than acknowledging you understand your rights) [the
first of which is the right to remain silent] (the rest of the rights they read say
that "if you do not mention now something you later rely on in court it may harm your
defence" i.e. if you aren't guilty you should say so now .. doesn't matter if you are
or aren't .. say nothing .. they can and will try to use it to put you in a bad light
in court but it won't stick).

I've Been Arrested!
--------------------
ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS has a solicitor present... never try and tough it out... never
allow them to question you without your solicitor present.

When you are taken to the police station, you will be asked if you want a solicitor
present (YES!) give them your solicitors card (most solicitors offer a 24hr
on-call service so someone will come to help you out) ..

If you are drunk or stoned make it clear to the duty sergeant straight away
["I've been drinking", "I'm under the influence of <DRUG>"]... (Saying that you
are drunk is actually a good "ruse" and means they can't interview you until
you are sober [morning]) (they generally will just put you in the cells to
sober up - if its a really really serious charge they may ask you to take a
breath-alcohol or blood-alcohol test .. but generally if you say you're drunk
and they go on to interview you - anything you say can be argued away by a
half decent barrister - so they will more than likely chuck you in the cell)

You will almost certainly be placed in a cell to await your solicitors arrival
or your own sobriety ;). You are entitled to tea or coffee (my recommendation is
don't it tastes like shit - stick to water [helps to flush the system - ahem
ahem!]) and depending on the detention period some food (again tastes awful
[my solicitor popped out and got me a sandwich when he arrived]).

99 times out of 100 someone whether it be the duty sergeant or a "bod" will try and
get you to say something about the charge by making a joke or a snidey comment or
appearing understanding or starting a general chat - be "friendly" but if it strays
towards your arrest, the reason for your arrest or anything like that .. SAY
NOTHING... "No comment" is a good standby... they will act it up pretending to be
surprised / offended etc... Everything is ON THE RECORD so say nothing!

Secondly you may be approached whilst in the cells to sign something... i.e an
officer will write in his notebook "<YOU> said '<WHAT YOU SAID' at TIME , DATE"
he will then sign it and try to get you to sign it .. REFUSE point blank... if
it is untrue or you don't remember it state that you believe that to be a false
statement and refuse to sign.

As hard as it can be, try to relax, get some sleep, etc. Nothing can be done
until your solicitor arrives so take some time to get your story straight in
your head, chill out. Having to hold you and not being able to interview you
is more an inconvenience for the police than being in the cell is for you...

Solicitor Arrives
-----------------
Let him/her do all the talking - they will arrange for somewhere suitable to
speak with you and arrange "refreshments" (coffee/tea from the officers
canteen  ... better than the normal shit they offer you)...
Your solicitor will ask you details about your arrest, ask you for your
side of the story etc. tell them EVERYTHING... it is all in strictest
confidence and allows them to help you as best they can.

The Interview
-------------
The interviewing officer (who may or may not be the arresting officer) will
introduce himself and anyone accompanying, he will explain that the interview
will be taped and that a copy of that tape will be given to you or your solicitor.

Having started the recording he will say the time and date, who is being
interviewed, what for and who is present. Each person present will have to give their
name and (where appropriate) rank or name of solicitors practice...
You will be asked to confirm your full name, your DOB and address.
They will the go through the reason for your arrest and ask if you have anything to
say - say nothing or "no comment" (UNLESS DIRECTED OTHERWISE BY YOUR SOLICITOR). This
applies to all questions put to you... they will after a number of "no comments" give
you a "SPECIAL WARNING" basically they are reading you your rights again reminding you
that staying silent may be percieved negatively by the court (again .. FAT CHANCE!)
.. Oh and you will again be asked if you understand your rights (you can say "yes" to
this  ... WAHOO!!) you may also be asked if you have been co-erced / mistreated / etc
whilst in detention (as tempting as it is to say yes! .. this is usually a no ..)

They will put as many questions as they see fit to you... they will then end the
interview (again asking you if you have anything to say - "no comment") .. They should
then seal the tapes (3 in London 2 elsewhere) in front of you and label, date and
sign them and possibly ask you to sign it too... they will keep 1 (London 2) and
give the other to your solicitor (or you).

You will almost certainly be bailed - make an appointment to see your solicitor to
discuss the case, go home, sleep, sort out anything your solicitor may find useful
- (tidy up if your house/flat has been searched!!!)

Here ends my basic guide to surviving arrest and interview
Forewarned is forearmed ..

THIS FILE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR SOUND PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE!!

END_OF_FILE