Making a Statement to the Police
There are three sections to our guide on making a statement to the police:
Part 2 – During the interview
Making a statement to the police can be frightening, particularly if a loved one has just been arrested.
But remember, it is not a record of a conversation; it is a declaration of what you know.
- Take time to answer any questions put to you by the police.
- Take care getting your wording right.
Making a statement is a formal event, it is not a meeting of friends to gossip.
To remind you that it is a formal setting, it is a good idea not to use first names:
- You can ask to be referred to as Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms and your Surname.
- The police should be referred to as PC/WPC/DC/DI/… Their Surname.
- It can also be a good idea to write down each persons name and rank, also place and time of meeting.
It is important to remember that:
You are assisting the police.
You have not committed a crime and are not under arrest.
You may leave at any time.
Have another person present (preferably a solicitor).
They can help make sure that:
- That you have not felt bullied, forced, cajoled or in any way made to say what you did not mean to say & you don’t feel words have been put in your mouth.
- They are also a witness to what you have said and how the police treated you.
- If you are in unhappy about anything in the statement, DO NOT SIGN IT.
Be polite and respectful at all times.
You have the right to be treated politely and respectfully by the police. They should be treated in the same way.
Remain calm and composed at all times.
If you find you are becoming angry, offended or in any way emotional, take some time to calm down:
- Ask for a glass of water
- Ask for a moment to compose yourself
- Ask for a complete break in making the statement.
If you become too distressed to continue with your statement and asking for a break does not help, a complete break can be asked for.
However, this should not be done lightly! And it must be recorded in the statement that you have asked for this and why you are unable to continue.
Think before you speak.
- Do consider each question carefully before answering.
- Do weigh up your answers to ensue that they are what you wish to say.
- Don’t be frightened or intimidated.
- Don’t have words put in your mouth.
Do keep a simple record of all contact with the Police (Diary notes,) rank, number, name, time, content of meeting and outcome. This is often a most stressful experience and memory recall is often very vague.
Next “Signing the statement”
