Tips for Smart Cops Series
Taking written statements after caution

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1. When taking a written statement from a suspect whose first-language is not Cantonese, the statement should be taken in the suspect's mother tongue or with the assistance of an interpreter. (Direction 6)

2. After a written statement has been taken under caution from a suspect, the officer taking the statement shall ask the suspect to read the statement and make any corrections, alterations or additions he wishes. (Rule IV)

3. After the suspect has finished reading the cautioned statement, the officer shall ask him to write out and sign or make his mark on the Certificate at the end of the statement. (Rule IV)

4. If the suspect refuses to read the cautioned statement or to write the Certificate at the end of it or to sign it, the senior officer present shall record on the statement itself, in the presence of the suspect, what has happened. (Rule IV)

5. If more than one officer is present when a cautioned statement is taken, the other officer or officers should countersign the statement. (Direction 2)

"Direction" and "Rule" refer to the "Rules and Directions for the Questioning of Suspects and the Taking of Statements".

(This column is contributed by the Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch)