Reporting a crime to police

When you report a crime to the police they will take a statement from you. In most cases this will be written down by them and once you have confirmed it is an accurate account of what you witnessed, you wil be asked to sign it.

If you want to add something to your original statement you can do so at a later date. You should be given the name of the officer who takes your statement and his or her rank and number.

You should also be told the name of the officer who will be in charge of the case and his or her contact details. (This may be the same officer who takes your statement.)

Where it is helpful you can give evidence on video. If you feel you need support in giving evidence you can mention it to police at this stage.

Making a victim personal statement

In addition to giving a witness statement you can if you wish provide a victim personal statement. This allows you to include anything you have not said in your witness statement and could, for example, include:

• How the crime has affected you physically, emotionally or financially;
• Whether you feel vulnerable or intimidated;
• If you are worried about the defendant being given bail;
• Whether you are considering claiming compensation.

The statement can be made at the same time as your witness statement and can be changed at any point before the court hearing. It will become part of the papers the court sees, so it will also be seen by the defence.

The police will give you a leaflet called "Giving a witness statement to the police - what happens next?"