Steve Kennedy, co-founder of the Law Friends Society, is an experienced criminal defence
solicitor practicing in London. Steve regularly appears in police stations and courts, and is
highly skilled in ensuring that interviews are carried out lawfully.
Here Steve provides a critical overview of ten current issues faced by solicitors and police
station representatives in the police stations, sharing important practical strategies to
address these challenges. He refers to relevant PACE codes throughout and ends with a
Probative Value Checklist to guide practitioners working in this area.

Key Words/Topics
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
Police Officers Eavesdropping on Consultations
Section 58 of PACE

Officers Interviewing for Career Advancement
Trainee Detective Constables misrepresenting status
Incorrect Offence Recorded on Custody Record
Custody Record Used to Insult Client
Inappropriate Entries
Officer Threatens Client During Interview
Oppressive Behaviour
Abuse of Police Powers on Taking Samples
Officers Withholding Key Information
Disclosure
Non-Molestation Orders
CCTV
Bodyworn Footage
Serving ID Papers Prematurely
Appropriate Adult Insisting on Private Consultation
Confidentiality Concerns

Officer diverts from relevant questions
Oppressive or misleading questioning is
Probative Value Checklist