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Checklist for reporting crime to SAPS
Checklist for reporting crime to SAPS
If in the unfortunate event that you are a victim of crime, it is important to report a crime to SAPS. A successful prosecution of criminal cases depends, to a large extent, on the quality, completeness, relevance and accuracy of the statement given by you and taken by the police.
If in the unfortunate event that you are a victim of crime, it is important to report a crime to SAPS. A successful prosecution of criminal cases depends, to a large extent, on the quality, completeness, relevance and accuracy of the statement given by you and taken by the police.
The statement must be taken by a Policemen and he / she will guide you through “Who, what, where, when and the how”. The statement must be written in a chronological order and in a way that a complete picture is painted of what happened, so that the investigating officer can conduct a full investigation, and that the prosecutor has ALL the facts at his/her disposal to successfully prosecute.
The statement must be taken by a Policemen and he / she will guide you through “Who, what, where, when and the how”. The statement must be written in a chronological order and in a way that a complete picture is painted of what happened, so that the investigating officer can conduct a full investigation, and that the prosecutor has ALL the facts at his/her disposal to successfully prosecute.
Reporting a case is free of charge and all the necessary documentation will be completed by a police official. Here a list of items to help with developing a statement.
Reporting a case is free of charge and all the necessary documentation will be completed by a police official. Here a list of items to help with developing a statement.
Checklist for preparing a written statement:
Checklist for preparing a written statement:
What happened?
What happened?
- Explain what happened in chronological order
- Detail things that may be unclear to a reader
- Describe items stolen, weapons used, suspects seen
- Include Feelings – how did you feel when incident the happened – scared, threatened – why?
Where did the incident happen?
Where did the incident happen?
- Address, location, landmarks, position, direction, slope, etc.
- Explain reason you were there, what were you doing, what were people with you doing, reason there/purpose, what you were wearing
When did it happen?
When did it happen?
- Date, time of day, how did you know what time it was
- Information about visibility – weather, lighting
Who was involved (suspect or other affected)?
Who was involved (suspect or other affected)?
- Describe suspect/s
- How long did you see them, where did you see them, any obstructions to your view, are they known to you and if so how?
Potential Exhibits:
Potential Exhibits:
- Describe important potential exhibits – firearm / knife / vehicle (other transport mode) / clothing / bag / anything else – include the colour, make, brand name, distinguishing marks
Suspect details?
Suspect details?
- Detail gender and approximate age, race – include complexion – light, dark
- Language spoken, accent if any
- Height – relate to someone you know or self, Build – heavy, light, thick set, thin, athletic, Hair – curly, straight, short, long, colour, set back
- Clothing – all including shoes, head gear
- Facial features – beard, moustache – type – long, short, pencil, lips, nose, ears, eyebrows
- Distinguishing marks – tattoos, scars, Jewellery, neck chain, earrings, teeth
Witnesses?
Witnesses?
- Include full names, residential address, gender, employment and all contact details
- Explain what witnesses were doing there – how did they come to be a witness?
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