Police Procedure
If you have witnessed any part of a crime, the police will normally ask you to make a statement. A statement is a written or video-recorded account of what happened and may be used as evidence in court. Before making any statement, the officer will ask you a number of questions in order to establish exactly what happened.
Sometimes, depending on the type of crime, it can take quite a long time to gather all the information that is needed. If the offence has just happened, officers may ask you to tour the nearby area with them to help identify the offender, or they may ask you to look at photographs or CCTV images to try to pick out the offender.
If you have a difficulty understanding English, or if you are deaf or hard of hearing, an interpreter will be called to assist you.
Giving a written statement
The police realise that talking about what has you have witnessed may be difficult for you and if you find the interview is distressing or if you need a rest, you can ask for a break at any time. In most cases, once the interview is finished, the police officer will compile a written statement from what you have said and you will be asked to read through it to check that it is correct. You can ask the police officer to read your statement back to you, if you would prefer.
You will be asked to sign the statement to say that it is an accurate account of what you think happened. If something is not correct, you must inform the officer so that it can be adjusted. It is very important that you do this, even if you feel awkward about doing it, as it could affect the investigation. Once you have signed your statement, it becomes part of the evidence in the case and you may have to answer questions on it at court.
Sometimes the police may need to speak to you more than once, for example, if they need to check information.
Giving a video recorded statement
In many cases, where the officer believes you will be eligible for 'special measures' at court, you may have to make a video recorded interview instead of a written statement. The police officer who is carrying out the interview will explain how this will be done before he/she begins the interview. If a young person (under the age of 17) gives a statement in a case which is likely to go to court, they will almost always be video recorded. In such cases an 'appropriate adult' will have to accompany the young person during interview. The police officer who carries out the video interview will explain the procedure and what will happen. The officer will not discuss the evidence that you are going to give before the interview is recorded. This is to ensure that you give the most accurate description of what you saw or know, so the video contains the best evidence possible.
Court appearances
If the matter is going to court, the police officer will check if there are any dates that you will be unavailable to attend court. You should say if you are going on holiday or have other important commitments, such as a hospital appointment or an operation, or jury service. If you are needed to attend court, the court will, where possible, take into account the dates you are unavailable.
Collecting evidence
Sometimes, the police will need to take samples from where the crime took place, and the procedures for doing this will vary depending on the type and severity of the crime. They may have to take photos or fingerprints for example, and this is usually carried out by a specially trained Crime Scene Investigator.
As a witness you may be asked to have your fingerprints or have other samples taken, but the police know how difficult this can be for you and they will be as sensitive as possible.
You may find it helpful to read some of the Questions in this section.