Police Procedure

If you have been the victim of a crime, the police will normally ask you to make a statement. To do this, 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 and pick out the offender.

If you have difficulty understanding English, or if you are deaf or have a hearing impairment, an interpreter will be provided to assist you.

Giving a written statement

The police realise that talking about what has happened to you can be a difficult experience, and if the interview is distressing, you can ask for a break at any time. Once the interview is finished, the police officer will compile a written statement from what has been said and you will be asked to read through it to check that it is correct. Alternatively, you can ask the police officer to read your statement 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 corrected. It is very important that you do this, even if you feel awkward about doing it, as it could affect the investigation.

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. If a person under the age of 17 gives a statement and it is likely to go to court, they will almost always be video interviewed. 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 is required to make a video recorded interview, then an 'appropriate adult' will have to accompany the young person during interview. This will be fully explained by the police officer.

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 if you have other important commitments, such as a hospital appointment or 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. The procedures will vary depending on the type and severity of the crime.

They may want to take photographs or fingerprints for elimination purposes. A specially trained Crime Scene Investigator will usually do this. The police know how difficult and sometimes embarrassing it can be to have fingerprints or other samples taken and they will be as sensitive as possible.

If you have been physically injured in an assault, the police may also want to photograph your injuries or have your injuries examined by a police doctor (police doctors are ordinary GP's who have agreed to carry out examinations on behalf of the police). The doctor will make a record of the injuries, but if you need further medical attention, you will be advised to go to the hospital or to your own GP.

You may find it helpful to read some of the frequently asked questions in this section.