Voluntary Interview Attendances: Note-Taking Workflow
Voluntary interviews differ from custody attendances: there is often no custody record, different PACE codes apply, and practitioners must still produce a complete attendance note and billing record. This scenario guide walks through the workflow.
How voluntary interviews differ from custody
The client attends by appointment — often not under arrest. There may be no custody sergeant, no detention clock, and no custody record in the traditional sense. Your note must still anchor the attendance: date, station, officers, alleged offence, and how the client was invited.
Custody Note includes a dedicated voluntary interview form for this reason — attempting to force voluntary work into a custody template often leaves gaps in referral source, travel, and outcome.
What to record on arrival
Record instruction time, source of referral (firm, DSCC, direct call), alleged offence, and confirming the client understands they are attending voluntarily and may leave — subject to practical and legal realities you explained in consultation.
- Instruction and arrival times
- Instructing firm and fee earner
- Alleged offence and OIC details if known
- Confirmation client understands voluntary status
- Disclosure received before interview
Consultation, interview, and outcome
The consultation and interview sections mirror custody work in substance: advice given, interview approach, interventions, and outcome. Without a custody record number, ensure other identifiers — client details, firm reference, OIC collar number — are captured for billing and file management.
Billing voluntary work
Legal aid and private billing rules differ by scheme and contract. Your note should support whatever claim is made — time breakdown, travel, and outcome. Firms using fixed internal rates still need a complete record for supervision and file review.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a custody record number for voluntary interviews?
Often no. Use firm file reference, client details, and OIC information instead. The billing system or CRM may still require specific fields — your note should capture equivalents.
Does PACE Code C apply?
Voluntary interviews are governed by Code C provisions for non-custody interviews where applicable, and Code G for arrest considerations if attendance was by arrangement. Record which code you considered relevant and any safeguards discussed.
Can I use the same template as custody?
A dedicated voluntary template avoids forcing irrelevant custody fields and missing voluntary-specific ones. Structure matters more than the label on the form.
Structure every attendance from the first call-out.
Custody Note guides you through disclosure, consultation, interview, and billing in one structured record — offline, encrypted, with PDF export. 30-day free trial.
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