Writing witness statements

Our course provides training in completing professional witness statements examining all issues relating to what to include, exclude and appropriate wording.

All activity conducted during investigation or inspection that is to be relied upon as evidence needs to be included in a witness statement.

This may be visiting premises, interviewing witnesses, obtaining documents and items as potential exhibits, conducting surveillance and use of particular methods to obtain information and evidence.

It may also involve interviewing suspected offenders, using Data Protection Act (1998) and other statutory powers to obtain evidence.

We demonstrate how to compile sound witness statements covering all these scenarios

Target Audience

All those who are required to provide statements of evidence in the course of investigation and inspection

Aim

To ensure delegates prepare accurate evidential witness statements to a professional standard

Outcomes

To enable delegates to:

  • understand the difference between information and opinion and what constitutes evidence
  • identify evidence that must be included in a witness statement
  • describe Section 9 Witness Statement Process
  • identify the difference between a Civil Procedure Rules statement and Criminal Procedure Rules statement
  • define hearsay evidence and how and why it can be introduced
  • explain the term "corroboration"
  • define the terms "best evidence" and "secondary evidence"
  • construct a structured statement including production of exhibits, interviews and surveillance
  • consider best method for introducing business documents as evidence and terms of statement
  • explain use of witness statements and original notes by witnesses at hearings

Delivery

PowerPoint presentation, flipchart explanation, group discussion, practical examples and case studies

Associated courses

Evidence and exhibits
Interviewing
Case paper preparation

Information service

Support information
Support information for investigators