Statements/evidence

Security guards may be told they have to attend court as witnesses to crimes. If so they will likely be given a subpoena, which states that you must attend court on a certain date and time. This is the law.

Therefore, your statements are very important. NAME, DATE, ID, CONTACT INFO, BIRTHDATE,  ADDRESSES, LOCATIONS , EMPLOYMENT OF THE WITNESS, TIME OF DAY AND OPENING/ CLOSING PARAGRAPHS ARE IMPORTANT TO KEEP WHEN DOING STATEMENTS.

You should also read the statement back to the witness so they know exactly what you have recorded.

Verbatim (word for word) transcription of the witness’ recollection of the events should take place.

Having you and the witness sign the info is best.

Remember that legibility and keeping accurate statements and occurrence reports protects you, your company and the client from lawsuits and looks professional if and when you go to court.

An example of a closing statement could read:

• “I, (witness name), have read the above six page statement and find it to be accurate to the best of my recollection. I have been advised that I could omit, delete or change any of this information prior to signing it.”

The security guard must allow the witness to read over the statement before signing.

If the witness would like to change or delete something, a line should be put through the omitted information and both parties should sign both the beginning and end.

Resources: http://www.cpsp.gov.sk.ca/PISG-Manual-07.pdf