Page:Rules and Directions for the Questioning of Suspects and the Taking of Statements.pdf/5

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VI. If at any time after a person has been charged with, or has been informed that he may be prosecuted for an offence, a police officer wishes to bring to the notice of that person any written statement made by, or record of an interview with, another person, who in respect of the same offence has also been charged or informed that he may be prosecuted, he shall hand to that person a true copy of such written statement or record of interview, but nothing shall be said or done to invite any reply or comment. If that person says that he would like to make a statement in reply, or starts to say something, he shall at once be cautioned or further cautioned as prescribed by Rule III(a).

VII. Persons other than police officers charged with the duty of investigating offences or charging offenders shall, so far as may be practicable, comply with these Rules. DIRECTIONS 1. Procedure generally
 * (a) Police officers’ notebooks should be used for taking statements only when no other stationery is available.
 * (b) When a person is being questioned or elects to make a statement, a record should be kept of the time or times at which, during the questioning or making of a statement, there were intervals or refreshment was taken. The nature of the refreshment should be noted. In no circumstances should alcoholic drink begiven.
 * (c) In writing down a statement, the words used should not be translated into “official” vocabulary; this may give a misleading impression of the genuineness of the statement.
 * (d) Care should be taken to avoid any suggestion that the person’s answers can only be used in evidence against him, as this may prevent an innocent person making a statement which might help to clear him of the charge.

2. Record of interview

Rule II and Rule III(c) demand that a record should be kept of the following matters:—
 * (a) when, after being cautioned in accordance with Rule II, the person is being questioned or elects to make a statement—of the time and place at which any such questioning began and ended and of the persons present;
 * (b) when, after being cautioned in accordance with Rule III(a) or (b), a person is being questioned or elects to make a statement—of the time and place at which any questioning or statement began and ended and of the persons present.