A high-level structure checklist for writing clear, court-ready statements. Use alongside your force policy and the College of Policing APP — this is not a substitute for either.

Heading and personal details

Statement is on the correct force/MG11 template for your jurisdiction.
Full name, occupation/rank, and collar/payroll number recorded.
Date the statement is being made and location of writing.
Section 9 / Section 102 declaration wording correct for the jurisdiction.

Identification of who, what, when, where

Date, time, and location of the incident clearly stated.
How you came to be involved (call type, briefing, observation).
Identification of anyone you spoke to recorded by full name where known, or accurate description if unknown.
Vehicles, premises, or items described accurately — including reg numbers, makes, colours, exhibit references.

Continuity and exhibits

Continuity of any exhibit you handled is recorded chronologically.
Each exhibit referenced with its label (e.g. JS/01) at first mention and where transferred.
Time received / time handed over recorded for every exhibit.
Any seal numbers and tamper checks recorded.

Account in chronological order

Events written in the order they happened, not the order you learned of them.
Times stated where known; 'approximately' used honestly where not.
First-person observations clearly separated from second-hand information.
Anything you saw or heard yourself, distinguished from anything you were told.

Direct speech

Words spoken to you, or by you, recorded in direct speech using quotation marks where you can be confident.
Reported speech is clearly labelled if you cannot recall exact words.
Caution and any rights given have been recorded verbatim where required.
Any admissions or significant statements timed and recorded.

Signature, dating, and amendments

Statement signed and dated by you.
Any amendments initialled and dated; no use of correction fluid.
Pages numbered (e.g. 1 of 4) and signed at the bottom where required.
Copy retained or uploaded to the case file per force policy.

This is training-oriented general guidance only. It deliberately does not cover operational tactics. Follow your force's evidence-handling and statement-writing policy, and the College of Policing APP on Investigation.

BlueLineHub is independent and unofficial. This tool is for general guidance only — not legal advice, medical advice, or operational command advice. Verify any calculation, recommendation, or checklist against your force policy, College of Policing APP, Police Regulations, PFEW guidance, and your Federation representative.