SQE Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Preparation Guide

The correct answer is that an inspector or above can authorize an interview without a solicitor present if requested by the client. In the context of police procedures, an inspector or a higher-ranking officer has the authority to assess the situation and make decisions regarding the presence of legal representatives during interviews. This level of authority is critical in ensuring that the rights of the individual being interviewed are protected, while also considering the needs of law enforcement.

Lower-ranking officers, such as a regular police officer or a detective, do not have the same level of discretion and authority in this respect. Their roles typically focus on investigation and evidence collection, and they are required to follow the procedures set by higher-ranking officers like inspectors. The officer in charge of the case also has responsibilities that may not extend to authorizing interviews without legal representation, as decisions about legal presence involve a careful consideration of the rights of the accused and the legal framework governing police interviews. Thus, the structure of authority within the police ensures that only those at the inspector level or higher can make such determinations.