Getting a phone call from the police can be unsettling. Whether it’s a voicemail from a detective or a missed call from a number you do not recognize, your first instinct might be to call back right away and clear things up.
But should you talk to the police if they call you about a case?
This guide walks you through what it might mean, how to respond, and what your rights are. If you’re wondering “why would the police call me?”, you’re not alone—and you’re smart to think twice before saying anything.
There are several reasons why a police officer might call you:
Sometimes, it’s not even that serious. But the problem is—you don’t know which it is until it’s too late. Even if you’re innocent, what you say on that call can be twisted or misunderstood.
Police are trained to collect evidence. That includes statements that sound like confessions, even if you don’t mean them that way. You might think you’re helping, but you’re also putting yourself in legal danger.
If you missed a call and it looks like it came from the police, take a breath.
It could be routine. It could be serious. The officer may be building a case, looking for inconsistencies, or hoping you’ll talk freely without a lawyer present. That’s not paranoia—it’s how the system works.
Missing a call from the police doesn’t mean you’re in immediate trouble. But it does mean you need to be careful about what happens next. Every word you say can become part of the record. And every record can become part of a case.
Police may call from:
Just because the number doesn’t look official doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Many detectives use department-issued cell phones. They may also leave a badge number or callback info in their message.
Still, some scammers pose as police. So before you call back any number that claims to be from law enforcement, verify it with the help of a lawyer. Never give out personal information—especially Social Security numbers or bank details—until you know who you’re speaking with.
If the police left a message asking you to return their call, your best move is this:
Call a lawyer first. Not the police.
Even if you just want to be helpful—even if you think it’s no big deal—even if they sound polite—you could be walking into a trap.
In Georgia, and across the country, the police are trained to get information. You might be thinking, “I didn’t do anything wrong.” But talking to police can lead to:
A quick conversation to “clear things up” could lead to charges. You don’t know what information they already have, or how they’re planning to use your answers.
No. You are not legally required to call back the police unless you’ve been subpoenaed or formally served with paperwork.
You can:
Once you have legal representation, the police are not allowed to question you without your lawyer being present.
Law enforcement knows this. They often try to get ahead of it by catching you off guard, before you’ve had the chance to speak with a defense attorney.
Here’s what we see time and again:
You might think cooperating shows you have nothing to hide. But the opposite is often true. Once you talk, you can’t take it back. Even something you think is minor could end up being the key piece the police needed to build a case.
If the police are calling you, a lawyer can:
Your attorney can also shield you from giving unnecessary information. And if the officer was bluffing—trying to fish for details without probable cause—your lawyer will shut it down.
There are a few situations where getting legal protection is even more urgent:
Those are red flags. You’re being softened up. Anything you say—even casually—can be used against you later.
Even silence or hesitation on a phone call can be spun as suspicious. That’s why it’s so important to let an attorney take the lead from the start.
Sometimes, yes—but usually not just because you didn’t return a call. If there is already enough evidence against you, police might seek a warrant regardless of whether you speak with them.
However, if you’re being investigated, what you say on the phone can tip the balance. Officers might be looking for confirmation before they move forward. Don’t give it to them.
Remember, you don’t need to help them build a case against you.
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we get these calls all the time. A client misses a call from police, Googles the number, panics, and calls us.
We talk to the department, figure out what’s going on, and give our clients real answers. Sometimes it’s nothing. Other times, it’s the first step in building a strong legal defense.
Do not call the police back until you talk to us. We’ll help you take control before things spiral.
Worried about why the police called you? Call J. Ryan Brown Law today. We’ll make sure your first move is the right one.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
