Be cautious about cautions

It is difficult to provide generic advice on what firearms licence holders should do if they find themselves in a situation which might lead to police involvement. The range of issues and likely circumstances are too numerous.

Examples might include actual assaults, direct threats, fights with poachers, or in one case the suggestion that a client ‘might’ respond to trespassers on his land while armed. And of course, there are issues around domestic violence. I suppose, however, that when it comes to a confrontation, the golden rule must be, don’t get involved.

Easy to say – there will likely be circumstances where you have no choice. In those circumstances, remember that you must try to remain calm and in control. Think about the way your actions might be interpreted and think about evidence. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts may come across very differently to your recollection of events. Think about how you might obtain your own evidence – for example virtually everyone carries a phone these days which can record sound or take videos.

Consider carefully the issue of making a report to the police. Often, the person who reports an incident to the police first has the upper hand. The complaint will be investigated. A prompt report suggests that you have nothing to hide.

The Home Office guidance provides further advice to police on the issue of domestic violence. You can find the amended guidelines here: http://bit.ly/19ueGOI.

A cursory glance reveals the guidelines are not focussed on acts of actual violence. Domestic violence is much more widely defined. However, it can be an opportunity for an unhappy spouse or partner to embellish or even make up allegations knowing that it will set all sorts of hares running. It is a difficult judgement to make but you might consider in these circumstances temporarily lodging your guns with an RFD. This removes the need for urgent intervention by the police and shows a responsible attitude.

In my experience the attitude of the client is often crucial in determining the way the police choose to deal with them. Remember your legal rights and don’t be afraid to assert them – but do so politely. Police officers are only human – however much they are trained to remain objective, if you antagonise them they are unlikely to want to be flexible with you.

If you find yourself arrested and in custody or subject to an interview under caution, a good lawyer is a must. Remember that an interview under caution is never just a “friendly chat”. Make no mistake, the interview process is a powerful prosecutorial tool designed to elicit evidence from you which is admissible against you.

Cautions are a peculiar creature and their use is becoming more common. I wonder whether they are becoming a method of tidying up case files without the need to test evidence in court.