Service Police Investigations
Call our 24 hour helpdesk on 01722 426 276
If you are arrested by the Service Police in connection with an alleged offence or you are asked to attend for an interview, you have the same rights as if you were to be interviewed by the civilian Police. You therefore do not have to speak to the Service police until you have received proper legal advice and you are entitled to have a solicitor present at your interview wherever you are serving in the world. This is free of charge as our fees are paid by the Legal Services Commission if your interview takes place in the UK or by the Armed Forces Criminal Legal Aid Authority (AFCLAA) if the interview takes place overseas.
If the case subsequently proceeds to a Summary Hearing before your Officer Commanding (OC) or Commanding Officer (CO) you are not entitled to be legally represented at that hearing. You do however. have the absolute right to elect for trial by Court Martial if you so wish and we can provide advice as to whether this is an appropriate course of action in your individual case. Alternatively, if you are convicted at the Summary Hearing you have the right to appeal to the Summary Appeal Court (SAC) against the finding of guilty, the sentence you receive or both. You can be legally represented at this hearing.
If the case proceeds to trial by Court Martial you are again entitled to legal representation.
Service Police Investigations department contacts:
David Yates, david.yates@parkerbullen.com
Telephone: Salisbury 01722 412 000
Telephone: Andover 01264 400 500