What to Expect at a Police Interview in Kent

Kent Police use two main methods to interview suspects: arrest and detention at a custody suite, or inviting you to attend a voluntary interview. Understanding the difference is crucial.

Arrested and Taken to Custody

If you're arrested in Kent, you'll be taken to one of the county's custody suites—typically Medway, North Kent (Gravesend), Tonbridge, Canterbury, or Folkestone. Note: Maidstone custody suite is currently closed for the foreseeable future and only conducts voluntary interviews. The custody sergeant will:

• Read you your rights under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE)^[1]
• Offer you free and independent legal advice^[1]
• Explain why you've been arrested
• Take your personal details and photograph
• Conduct a risk assessment^[2]

You'll be held in a cell while the police complete their preparation. Solicitors must attend within 45 minutes of being notified by police that they are ready for interview^[3]. The police decide when they're ready—not the solicitor. The total wait from arrival to interview is unpredictable and depends entirely on police processing time (booking, disclosure preparation, awaiting evidence).

Voluntary Police Interview

Many people in Kent receive letters inviting them to attend a voluntary interview at their local police station. Common stations for voluntary interviews include Maidstone (Palace Avenue), Medway, Tonbridge, and Canterbury.

The term "voluntary" is misleading. While you're not under arrest, you are under investigation for a criminal offence. Failing to attend can result in your arrest. Most importantly, what you say in a voluntary interview carries exactly the same weight as words spoken under arrest^[2].

Never attend a voluntary police interview alone. You are entitled to free legal advice beforehand. Ignoring a voluntary interview invitation can lead to serious consequences.

Before your interview, Kent Police will have gathered evidence. Depending on the allegation, this might include:

• Witness statements from complainants
• CCTV footage from the scene or surrounding areas
• Body-worn video from attending officers
• Mobile phone data or social media records
• Medical evidence in assault cases
• Financial records in fraud investigations

The police are required to disclose the nature of the allegation to your solicitor before interview. At Kent stations, disclosure quality varies—some officers provide detailed summaries, others give minimal information. An experienced solicitor will know how to press for proper disclosure.

Every person interviewed by Kent Police—whether arrested or attending voluntarily—has the right to free legal advice from a qualified solicitor. This is not a luxury; it's a fundamental right designed to protect you.

What Your Solicitor Will Do

Having a solicitor ensures your rights aren't overlooked and proper procedures are followed. Learn more about your rights in police custody.

Maidstone Police Station

Maidstone custody suite is currently closed for the foreseeable future. The station now only conducts voluntary interviews. If arrested in the Maidstone area, you'll be taken to Medway or another nearby custody suite. Voluntary interviews at Maidstone are scheduled during weekday hours. The interview rooms are modern and audio-visually recorded.

Medway Police Station

Medway covers Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Strood. This station sees high volumes of domestic violence cases and public order offences. Custody staff here are experienced. Your solicitor must attend within 45 minutes of being notified by police that they're ready for interview.

North Kent (Gravesend)

The North Kent custody suite in Gravesend serves the Dartford and Gravesend areas. It's smaller than Medway or Maidstone but efficiently run. Voluntary interviews here are typically scheduled with reasonable notice.

Tonbridge Police Station

Tonbridge custody handles arrests from West Kent including Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells. The station is less busy than Maidstone but still processes serious offences. Interview rooms are quiet and professional.

Canterbury Police Station

Canterbury serves East Kent and handles everything from student-related public order to serious fraud. The university term significantly affects custody numbers. Voluntary interviews are often conducted during weekday mornings.

After your police interview in Kent, one of several outcomes will follow:

Interview durations are not fixed and vary significantly depending on many factors outside of our control, including:

• The volume and complexity of evidence police need to put to you
• How much you choose to say in response to questions
• Whether you provide a prepared statement or answer questions
• How many allegations are being investigated
• Technical issues with recording equipment
• The interviewing officer's approach and style

As a general guide only:

• Simple cases (e.g., shoplifting, minor assault): Often 30-60 minutes
• Standard cases (e.g., domestic violence, criminal damage): Typically 1-2 hours
• Complex cases (e.g., fraud, sexual offences): Can be 2-4 hours or require multiple interview sessions

If you're arrested, the total time from arrival to interview is unpredictable and depends entirely on how long police take to process you and prepare for interview. Voluntary interviews are more predictable—typically scheduled for specific times with less waiting—but the interview itself can still vary in length depending on the factors above.