Formal interviews under caution / PACE interviews
Before concluding its investigation, the Regulatory Authority investigating a workplace accident, whether that be the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Environment Agency (EA) Local Authority (LA) or Police, will invite your business to attend a formal interview under caution (sometimes referred to as a Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) interview).
An interview under caution takes place when the business is suspected of committing a criminal offence in breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 any of its subsidiary safety Regulation or environmental legislation.
The decision to attend an interview and what information to provide, if any (the right to silence) are crucial decisions which will affect whether the business is subsequently prosecuted and for what offence.
Our expert health, safety and environmental solicitors offer guidance and support to clients invited to attend an interview under caution. In particular, we advise in relation to:
- pre-interview disclosure
- the decision to attend an interview under caution
- the scope and format of the interview under caution
- preparation for an interview under caution
- representation during an interview under caution
- post interview follow -up
- influencing the decision to prosecute
To arrange a discussion with a health, safety and environment solicitor click here or call us on 0800 840 4929.
