![]() These criteria are always useful if the case goes forward to trial. The worth of a quality statement can not be overestimated, since the witness’s words are locked-in for the record and the investigator gets a real opportunity to judge the credibility, memory and personality credentials of the witness in great detail. We have been involved in taking countless signed statements during our private investigation careers. Witness interviews are used extensively in criminal investigations of all types. Witness accounts can document slander and libel investigations. Signed statements provide evidence for insurance investigations, such as personal injury cases, maritime investigations, slip and fall cases, work injuries, car accidents, industrial accidents, fire investigations and construction accidents. The most common applications of this versatile investigative tool include: There are so many uses for a signed statement from a witness. Motivations for Taking a Signed Statement Signed statements are important, since they commit the witness to exactly what they saw and make it very difficult to change their story later on without obviously contradicting themselves on the record. Signed statements must be given freely and should not be done in exchange for monetary compensation (which may call into question the validity of the facts contained therein) or under coercion (which is illegal). The statement will cover the who, what, when, where and why of the incident and will put on the record the witness’s official account of the events which transpired. Generally, signed statements are hand-written by the investigator with the witness signing and dating at the end and the investigator notarizing their signature. The investigator writes the signed statement as if the witness was writing it themselves. Signed statements are taken orally with the investigator leading the witness through a series of general questions about the nature of an accident or incident. This guide delves into the importance of signed statements in the professional detective trade. These signed statements should be performed as soon as possible after a claim is made, to preserve an accurate memory and written account of the circumstances of the incident. Locating and interviewing witnesses on the record is crucial in order to document their version of an incident. Securing a witness statement is a very important part of many private detective case assignments.
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