What to expect when giving a police statement

Being asked to give a statement to the police can be unsettling, especially the first time. Knowing how the process usually works in Singapore — and what is expected of you — can make it far less stressful. This is a plain-English overview of what typically happens when you give a statement during a criminal investigation, and how to approach it calmly.

What a police statement is

A statement is a written record of what you tell an investigator. During an investigation, the police may record a statement from a witness, a complainant, or a person suspected of an offence. Statements are commonly taken under the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). An investigation statement records your account of events; it may later be referred to if the matter proceeds to court, so accuracy matters.

Where and when statements are taken

Statements are usually taken at a police station, a specialised unit (for example a criminal investigation department), or occasionally at the scene of an incident. You may be asked to attend at a fixed time, or you may be approached during the course of an investigation. The interview can be short or take several hours, depending on the complexity of the matter and the number of issues to cover.

Your obligations

The law generally requires a person being questioned to state truthfully what they know about the case. You are expected to give your name and particulars. You should not give false information, and you should not fabricate, conceal or destroy evidence. At the same time, there are protections against being compelled to say things that expose you to a criminal charge — the precise position depends on your role in the investigation and the stage it has reached.

Cautioned statements after a charge

If you are formally charged, you may be served with a notice and asked whether you wish to say anything in response. This is often called a cautioned statement. What you choose to say — or not say — at this stage can matter later, because a court may draw inferences in certain circumstances. Because the consequences can be significant, many people seek legal advice before responding to a charge.

What happens after you give a statement

Once recorded, your statement forms part of the investigation file. Investigators may follow up with further questions, seek other evidence, or take statements from other people. The investigation may take time to conclude. Depending on the outcome, the matter may be closed, dealt with by way of a warning or composition where available, or result in a charge. Patience is often necessary, as timelines are not always predictable.

Practical tips

• Stay calm and be accurate. Give your honest account; do not guess or exaggerate to fill gaps in memory.
• Read before you sign. You are usually asked to confirm the statement is accurate. Read it carefully and ask for corrections if something is wrong or has been misunderstood.
• Ask for an interpreter if you are not fully comfortable in the language used during the interview.
• Keep track of details such as the date, time, location and the officer involved.
• Consider advice before giving a statement if you are a suspect or have been arrested, and certainly before responding to a charge.
• Do not contact other parties to align accounts — this can create serious additional problems.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to answer every question? You must give your particulars and are expected to tell the truth, but the position on answering specific questions can depend on your status in the investigation. If in doubt, ask to speak with a lawyer.

Can I bring a lawyer to the interview? Access to counsel during investigations is a nuanced area in Singapore. A lawyer can still advise you before and after an interview, and can assist as the matter progresses.

What if I remember something later? If you realise a statement was inaccurate or incomplete, tell your lawyer promptly so it can be addressed appropriately.

What happens to my statement? It becomes part of the investigation record and may be used later if the matter is prosecuted.

This page is general educational information about criminal procedure in Singapore. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create a solicitor–client relationship. Your facts will differ — speak with a qualified criminal lawyer about your situation.