CJS working together for the public

Police Investigation

If you have been the victim of a crime, you will normally be asked to give the police a statement. To do this, the police officer will talk to you and ask you questions to try to build up a picture of what happened. It can take quite a long time to get all the information they need.

The police realise that this 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 you have said and you will be asked to read through it to check whether it is correct (or you can ask the police officer to read it to you).

Giving a Statement

You will then be asked to sign the statement to say that it is an accurate record of what you think happened. If something is not right, then you must tell the police officer and it will be corrected. This is very important even if you feel awkward about doing it.

The police need as much information as possible, to help them investigate the crime, and to find other evidence. This includes:

• Descriptions of anyone involved.
• Descriptions or names of any witnesses.
• Registration number of any vehicles even if they were not involved in the incident, as the driver may have seen something.
• Descriptions, identifying marks or serial numbers of any stolen property.

 

Sometimes the police may need to speak to you more than once, for example if they need to check information.

If you have given a statement, the police will ask you if there are any dates when you will not be available to attend court. You should say if you are going on holiday or have other important commitments e.g. a hospital appointment or operation. If you are needed to attend court, where possible, the court will take into account the dates you are unavailable.

In many cases, where an officer thinks you will be eligible for 'special measures' at court, he or she will discuss with the CPS or a specialist whether you should have a written statement or a video interview.

If a 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 interviewed. The police officer who carries out the interview will explain how the interview is carried out at the start of the interview, to ensure the young person and their appropriate adult understand the procedure.

Collecting Evidence

Sometimes, the police will need to take samples from where the crime took place. The procedures may vary depending on the type and severity of the crime.

For example, they may take fingerprints or photos.This will usually be done by a specially trained Scenes of Crime officer. The police know how stressful 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 injured in an assault, the police may also want to photograph your injuries or, on rare occasions, have your injuries looked at by a police doctor. The doctor will make a record of the injuries, but if you need full medical attention, you will be advised to go to the hospital or your GP.