The Importance of a Prepared Statement in Police Interviews
A prepared statement is a written statement made by a suspect prior to their interview under caution, usually in a police station. It is often read out during a police interview by the suspect’s legal representative. The statement can be of any length and typically outlines the suspect’s account of the relevant incident and their response to the allegations made against them.
This enables a suspect to provide their version of events without subjecting themselves to further questioning or scrutiny by the police and allows them to reduce the impact or perhaps avoid adverse inferences at any subsequent criminal trial.
A prepared statement can also be drafted and retained on the client file, until required at a later date. This can be done when a client is advised to or wishes to exercise their right to silence at the initial police interview.
The benefits of a prepared statement
There are several strategic benefits with providing a prepared statement in an interview.
These include,
1. Control of the narrative
By providing a prepared statement, a suspect can present their side of the story in a precise and structured manner avoiding a risk of being caught off-guard in interview or the police or others misinterpreting their version of events.
They are able to provide the information they deem relevant at this stage, especially in the event that there is outstanding evidence to be shown in the interview. It can also decrease the risk of being led or manipulated by the police interviewer into making statements that can be used against them.
2. Preventing self-incrimination
A police interview under caution can be an incredibly stressful situation. By providing a statement and avoiding the need to answer further questions, a suspect can prevent any self-incrimination in the high pressure environment. It can allow the suspect time to verify dates, times and other details before making any further comments, ensuring accuracy.
3. Vulnerable suspects
Suspects who are particularly vulnerable may wish to put forward a prepared statement in order to present their account in a clear and consistent manner whilst in a stressful situation.
It can alleviate anxiety by being able to carefully consider your words in writing before, and not during, the pressure of a police interview, thus avoiding confusion, coercion and intimidation. A statement can ensure that all interactions with the police are fair, accurate and respectful.
Ultimately, a prepared statement is a powerful tool that can help safeguard your rights, interests and present your perspective of events in the most accurate manner. By alleviating stress and enabling a focus on the key points, a prepared statement ensures crucial details are not missed whilst avoiding contradictions and further incrimination. This statement can also be clearly referred to at a later stage by your legal team.
Our Crime Team at Hodge Jones & Allen will be able provide you with advice and assistance as to the best approach in your police interview and whether providing a prepared statement is the most appropriate way forward in your case. Please call us on 0330 822 3451 for an initial discussion about your case or request a callback.
