When facing a police interview, clear communication is not just important — it is a fundamental right.
For anyone who does not speak English fluently, a certified translator or interpreter ensures that both the police and the person being questioned fully understand each other. Without professional language support, misunderstandings can easily occur, threatening the fairness of the process and even influencing the case outcome.
In the United Kingdom, the law recognises this risk and offers specific protections. If the police arrest you or invite you to a voluntary interview, you have the right to request a free interpreter. As stated in Language Services v1.0 (p. 3, Section 1.2), “qualified interpreters safeguard equal access to justice.” This legal right ensures that everyone—no matter their language background—can fully participate in proceedings and properly defend themselves.
This article explains why certified translators and interpreters play a crucial role in police interviews, outlines your legal rights, and describes how legal-aid interpreters operate in practice. It also guides you through what to expect during the interview process and shows how to access certified language services if you or someone you know needs them.
Protect Your Rights with Certified Translation and Interpreting
If you or someone you know is facing a police interview and requires language support, don’t leave your rights to chance. A certified translator or interpreter in police interviews ensures fairness, accuracy, and equal access to justice.
At TurkishTranslation.net, we connect you with professional interpreters and provide certified translation services tailored to your legal needs.
Why an Interpreter in Police Interviews Matters
Ensuring fairness and justice through clear communication
Police interviews play a decisive role in any criminal investigation. What you say — or choose not to say — can shape the entire outcome of your case. For non-native English speakers, lacking a certified translator or interpreter during a police interview can cause serious misunderstandings. Even a small translation error can alter the meaning of a statement and lead to an unfair result.
As Language Services v1.0 (p. 5, Section 2.1) states:
“Accurate interpreting is not a courtesy but a safeguard of legal rights.”
Certified interpreters bridge the language gap. They ensure that individuals understand every question and respond accurately. By doing so, they protect both the suspect’s rights and the integrity of the justice process.
Translator vs Interpreter in Police Interviews
It’s essential to distinguish between translators and interpreters.
Translators handle written materials such as evidence, statements, and reports.
Interpreters facilitate real-time communication during police interviews and court proceedings.
During police interviews, interpreters play the most immediate and active role by ensuring that both parties understand each other clearly. Later in the process, translators may prepare or verify official documents related to the case. Both professionals must hold appropriate qualifications and, ideally, maintain certification to guarantee accuracy and fairness.
Risks of miscommunication without an interpreter
When authorities fail to provide professional language services, people often turn to bilingual friends, family members, or even police officers with limited language skills — a practice that legal experts strongly discourage. As Language Services v1.0 (p. 7, Section 2.3) states:
“Legal settings discourage the use of untrained individuals.”
Using unqualified interpreters can distort legal terminology, omit cultural or contextual nuances, and create conflicts of interest. These mistakes undermine the fairness and integrity of an investigation.
That’s why UK law requires certified interpreters in police stations and why every individual should assert their right to have one present.
Your Right to an Interpreter in Police Interviews
Legal framework for interpreters in police custody
In the United Kingdom, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) Code C protects your right to a certified translator or interpreter during police interviews. This legal framework ensures that anyone who does not understand English well enough to take part in questioning receives professional interpreting support — entirely free of charge.
As Language Services v1.0 (p. 9, Section 3.1) states:
“Every suspect must follow proceedings and communicate effectively; the state provides language assistance as a safeguard.”
In practice, this means that if you struggle to understand the questions or cannot clearly express yourself in English, the police must arrange an interpreter for you by law.
International standards for interpreters in interviews
The United Kingdom’s obligations align with international standards. The European Directive on the Right to Interpretation and Translation in Criminal Proceedings (2010/64/EU) requires member states to guarantee free access to interpreters throughout criminal justice proceedings. Even after Brexit, these standards continue to shape how UK law protects suspects who need language support.
These protections are not optional — they exist to uphold fairness and ensure equal treatment under the law.
When you are entitled to a free interpreter
You have the right to request an interpreter in the following situations:
- When the police arrest and question you.
- When you attend a voluntary police interview.
- When the police ask you to read or sign official documents that you do not understand.
This right covers every stage of the process — from the first police interview to court hearings — and applies regardless of nationality or immigration status.
As Language Services v1.0 (p. 10, Section 3.2) states:
“No suspect should be disadvantaged due to limited language ability; provision of interpreters is a duty of the state.”
How Legal Aid Interpreters Work in Police Interviews
Role of legal aid interpreter in police interviews
When a suspect requires language support, the police will arrange a legal aid interpreter. These interpreters are accredited professionals, often registered with the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) in the UK. Their role is not to assist one side or the other, but to ensure that communication flows accurately and fairly.
As Language Services v1.0 (p. 12, Section 4.1) states:
“The interpreter’s duty is to faithfully convey meaning between parties, maintaining neutrality at all times.”
This means that interpreters cannot give personal opinions, coach suspects, or leave out information. Their only responsibility is to provide a precise and impartial translation.
Confidentiality and impartiality of interpreters
One of the core principles of certified legal interpreting is confidentiality. Everything said in the police interview room must remain private. Interpreters follow strict codes of ethics and keep sensitive details private.
This is a key difference compared with using friends or family members, who may not be neutral and could unintentionally distort or disclose information.
Why family and friends cannot act as interpreters
While it may feel natural to rely on someone you know, the police are generally not permitted to use friends or family members as interpreters in criminal proceedings.
According to Language Services v1.0 (p. 13, Section 4.3):
“Unqualified interpreters risk compromising the fairness of the interview and can introduce bias, whether deliberate or unintentional.”
Legal aid interpreters, on the other hand, are:
- Qualified and certified in legal interpreting.
- Vetted for professional competence.
- Experienced in criminal justice settings.
This ensures that the suspect’s rights are fully respected and that the interview process remains valid and reliable.
What to Expect with an Interpreter in Police Interviews
Requesting an interpreter before the interview
If you are arrested or invited to a voluntary police interview and you are not confident in your English, you can request a certified interpreter. The police arrange an interpreter before questioning begins.
As Language Services v1.0 (p. 15, Section 5.1) explains:
“No interview should proceed until suitable interpreting arrangements are in place.”
This means the police must delay the interview until an accredited interpreter arrives. You should never feel pressured to continue without one.
The process of interpreting in police interviews
During the interview, the interpreter sits with you and translates everything said by both sides. Police interviews usually use consecutive interpreting: the police officer asks a question, the interpreter translates, and you answer in your own language before the interpreter conveys it back in English.
The interpreter’s role includes:
- Translating every word spoken by both parties.
- Ensuring tone and meaning are preserved.
- Clarifying when cultural or linguistic differences might affect understanding.
This ensures that nothing is left out and the official record reflects your true answers.
Your rights if interpretation quality is poor
In rare cases, an interpreter may not perform well — for example, if they use incorrect terminology or fail to convey meaning accurately. In such situations, you have the right to raise concerns.
According to Language Services v1.0 (p. 16, Section 5.2):
“Defendants must have confidence in the accuracy of interpretation; The police should address complaints immediately and, if necessary, arrange another interpreter”
If you feel your interpreter is not impartial or not competent, you can request a replacement. Protecting your right to accurate communication is part of ensuring a fair legal process.
How to Access an Interpreter in Police Interviews
Finding certified interpreters for police interviews
If you or someone you know needs a certified translator or interpreter in police interviews, the first step is to rely on accredited professionals. In the UK, most police forces use interpreters from the National Register of Public Service Interpreters (NRPSI) or similar approved databases. These registers guarantee that interpreters are properly qualified and vetted for criminal justice settings.
As Language Services v1.0 (p. 18, Section 6.1) notes:
“Accredited registers ensure professional standards and provide a safeguard against unqualified practice.”
This means you should always check whether the interpreter provided is registered and certified.
Legal aid coverage for interpreters in custody
The state covers the cost of interpretation during police interviews— you will not be charged. However, once the case extends to preparing documents, court bundles, or legal statements, you may also need certified translators for written records. Legal aid may cover some of these services depending on your case, but in many situations, you will need to arrange document translation separately.
Support for Turkish Speakers in the UK
For members of the Turkish community in the UK, accessing reliable interpretation can make a significant difference in stressful situations such as police interviews. At TurkishTranslation.net, we provide:
- Certified translations of official documents.
- Access to trusted legal interpreters with experience in police and court settings.
- Tailored support for individuals navigating the UK legal system.
Our team understands the importance of both linguistic accuracy and cultural awareness, helping clients to protect their rights at every stage of the legal process.
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