What is the best practice regarding the length of a witness statement?

The best practice regarding the length of a witness statement is to ensure it is concise and relevant. A clear and succinct statement allows law enforcement to efficiently capture the essential facts surrounding an incident without unnecessary details or embellishments that might obscure the key points. This approach facilitates easier review and comprehension by those who will later analyze the statement, such as investigators, legal professionals, and others involved in the case.

Conciseness helps maintain focus on the critical elements of the witness's account, ensuring that all pertinent information is clearly presented. An effectively structured statement will encourage witnesses to present their observations without drifting into unrelated narratives or personal opinions, which can detract from the official purposes of the documentation.

Incorporating personal anecdotes, writing excessively long statements, or allowing the length to be dictated by the officer instead of focusing on the relevance of the information can lead to complications, misinterpretation, or excessive information that may not assist in the case investigation. By prioritizing brevity and relevance, the report remains accessible and useful for its intended legal processes.