Once a statement of a witness is taken, an officer should:

The best approach after taking a witness statement is to have the witness sign the statement in the space provided. This signature serves several important functions. It validates that the witness has reviewed the statement for accuracy and authenticity, confirming that it is a true reflection of what they communicated. Furthermore, the signature adds a layer of credibility to the statement, which can be crucial in legal proceedings.

Having the witness sign also mitigates potential disputes over the account later on, ensuring that there is a clear record of what the witness intended to convey at the time the statement was made. This practice reinforces the integrity of the investigative process, allowing for a thorough examination of the evidence presented.

In contrast, while filing the statement, reviewing it with the witness, or making a copy are all important procedural steps in managing case documentation, they do not carry the same significance in terms of validating the witness's account and ensuring its acceptance in legal contexts.