How should you handle witness statements?

• A. Copy from memory later.
• B. Do not include witness information.
• C. Record statements accurately, word-for-word if possible, identify the witness, date/time, and ensure confidentiality; if possible, have the witness sign.
• D. Record only after police arrive.

Answer: (B)

Capturing witness statements this way ensures accuracy, accountability, and usefulness for the investigation. The best practice is to record what the witness says as accurately as possible, ideally word-for-word, and to identify the source by name or other identifying details. Note the date and time, the location of the statement, and keep the information confidential to protect the witness. If feasible, have the witness sign the document to confirm they agree with the record and to provide a clear sign-off that this is their account.

This approach preserves the exact wording and sequencing of events, which helps prevent misremembering or later edits from altering the meaning. It also creates a clear audit trail showing who provided the information and when, which supports integrity and potential legal or administrative use. If possible, use a consenting audio recording to aid accuracy, followed by a verbatim transcription.

Choosing not to include witness information omits critical context and source reliability, making the statement less useful and harder to verify. Waiting to record statements until police arrive can result in memory decay, lost details, or incomplete records, reducing the usefulness of the account for the investigation.