How to Write a Statement Regarding an Incident

Only write what you saw occur at any incident.

If you were witness to an incident or involved in some manner, try to calm yourself fully before attempting to write a statement or report regarding the situation. Anything that involves the police, fire department or other civic officials will require clear and concise information from observers, bystanders or persons directly engaged. Remain objective and offer all the details you can recall by writing factual information. Avoid rambling and elaborations about your feelings, unless this is deemed acceptable and might be useful for follow up court cases.

Instructions

1. Collect your thoughts and list the step-by-step unfolding of events. For example, if you witnessed a domestic quarrel that turned violent, write "I was walking down Main Street at 7 p.m. Saturday. I heard people shouting in the near distance, by Ryan's Deli. As I got closer about 7:05, I saw a white man about 40 and an Asian woman about 25 arguing. As I arrived close to them, the shouting built and the woman struck the man and fled."

2. Write facts to include times, exact locations, details of what transpired and anything else you can recall. Think about who else was around. If you were caught up in a brawl at a sporting event or at a bar, many others will be around so it's harder to remember people directly involved. Do your best to focus on those who began the fight and those who suffered injuries. If the incident only involved a few people, be specific in describing clothing, attitudes, weapons and so forth.

3. Write objectively and answer the usual, "Who, What, Where, When and Why" questions. Who was there, what they were doing, where it took place, when it took place, and why you were involved or passing by. Why can also include why the event took place, such as, "At 3:15 on my car clock, I was driving on Hwy 1 behind a red Volvo. I saw the male driver of the blue Dodge Dakota pickup run a stop sign at Beach Avenue. A split second later the pickup had smashed into the side of the red Volvo with the three family members inside. I was able to brake before colliding with both cars."

4. Expound upon what happened before authorities arrived. Point out what you did after stopping your car, such as checking on people in the Volvo and the pickup. Write what happened after the collision. Who called for help? If you used your cell phone, mention that and what time. Note the time an ambulance, EMTs or police arrived. Mention if a physician pulled over and what she did. If you smelled alcohol on the driver of either vehicle, mention that as well.

5. Reread the document and edit out any extraneous words. If something doesn't quite make sense, rewrite it to clarify. Verify the facts are sequential and organized. Read if aloud to someone else, if you are able, to determine if he comprehends it. Complete the document by signing and dating it, then submit to the appropriate recipient.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain as succinct as possible while offering the best information you can. Sometimes your observations will help resolve serious questions.

• If you are too shaken up or were somehow injured yourself, refrain from writing until you can clear your head. Most importantly, tend to injuries first. The well-being of all people involved is more important immediately after an incident. You can write up a report or statement later.

References

• Firebelle Productions: Writing Effective Incident Reports
• The Pace Lap: News – NASCAR Statement Regarding Richard Childress and Kyle Busch Incident

Resources

• TEAMS Educational Resources: Autobiographical Incident