This is not about being arrested!
This is about, the officer asks you, “When you were at school on Friday, did you see anything unusual?”
This is about, the police knock on your door and say “we’ve heard reports of problems in the neighborhood; do you know anything about them?”
This is about, the police show you someone’s photo and say, “have you seen this person?”
This is about, the police say “you’re not under arrest; we just want to ask some questions. Tell me about your normal workday.”
All the advice applies DOUBLE if you’re under arrest. In that case, say NOTHING without talking to your lawyer.
But this advice is for “you haven’t been arrested and the police are just asking for ‘help’ and they’re fishing for info.”
Don’t give them info. You don’t remember the details. You’re not sure what happened. You don’t think you know that guy but maybe he looks familiar but you don’t know for sure; there’s a lot of people around here that look familiar. You didn’t notice. You don’t think you were there but you aren’t certain. You weren’t paying attention and you just want to get on with your day; can I go now officer?
And that’s if you feel like you have to answer them at all. If they’re not specifically asking you, don’t volunteer anything. ANYTHING. Not even to correct someone else who is botching whatever they’re saying.
There is NOTHING the police can offer you that makes it worth talking to them. They can promise you immunity from prosecution… but they won’t promise the same to your family or your friends. And they are very, very good at sounding like they’re promising something when they’re not. And they are legally allowed to lie to you: They can also say, “your friend told me you were in the room” when they didn’t, when they haven’t even talked to your friends.
Repeat: They are allowed to lie to you. But you lying to them is a crime. So don’t lie. Just dodge: You’re not sure, you don’t remember, you haven’t noticed. You can’t be certain, and you wouldn’t want to mislead them, so you’re very sorry but you can’t answer.
If you’re in a situation where you need to make a deal with a cop… get it in writing and signed by a judge or it’s vaporware.
But mostly: Don’t talk to cops. About anything. Ever.