If you witness a crime and choose to pass on your information to the police, you may be asked to make a statement.
Statements are normally taken for more serious crimes. If you are not the victim of the incident, then your statement will be used to support what the victim or suspect has said. The investigating officer will let you know if a statement is required.
What do I have to do?
Usually, the police officer will ask you questions about what has happened so they can write down the information you provide. You will then have to read through the statement and sign it to declare that the information is correct.
If there are any discrepancies in the statement, please make sure you inform the officer so that it may be corrected. It’s important for the account to be accurate, as you may later be questioned on the information in court. Once you have signed it, it becomes part of the evidence and cannot be withdrawn.
We understand that you may feel distressed after your experience, and our officers will try to make the statement process as comfortable as possible for you. If you need a break at any time, just ask.
When the statement is complete, you’ll be asked which dates you are unable to attend court. If it becomes necessary for you to give evidence at court, they will try to avoid holding the trial on the dates you named.