Page:Rules and Directions for the Questioning of Suspects and the Taking of Statements.pdf/3

Rh



Written Statements

IV. All written statements made after caution shall be taken in the following manner:—
 * (a) If a person says that he wants to make a statement he shall be told that it is intended to make a written record of what he says. He shall always be asked whether he wishes to write down himself what he wants to say; if he says that he cannot write or that he would like someone to write it for him, a police officer may offer to write the statement for him. If he accepts the offer the police officer shall, before starting, ask the person making the statement to sign, or make his mark to, the following:—
 * “I,, wish to make a statement. I want someone to write down what I say. I have been told that I need not say anything unless I wish to do so and that whatever I say may be given in evidence.”
 * (b) Any person writing his own statement shall be allowed to do so without any prompting as distinct from indicating to him what matters are material.
 * (c) The person making the statement, if he is going to write it himself, shall be asked to write out and sign before writing what he wants to say, or before any questioning, the following:—
 * “I make this statement of my own free will. I have been told that I need not say anything unless I wish to do so and that whatever I say may be given in evidence.”
 * (d) Whenever a police officer writes the statement he shall take down the exact words spoken by the person making the statement, without putting any questions other than such as may be needed to make the statement coherent, intelligible and relevant to the material matters. He shall not prompt him.
 * (e) When the writing of a statement by a police officer is finished the person making it shall be asked to read it and to make any corrections, alterations, or additions he wishes. When he has finished reading it he shall be asked to write and sign or make his mark on the following Certificate at the end of the statement:—
 * “I have read the above statement and I have been told that I can correct, alter or add anything I wish. This statement is true. I have made it of my own free will.”