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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Has anyone done a video recorded statement for police?

7 replies

Laurlouxx · 19/11/2023 15:12

I’m doing it as a victim of stalking / with adhd. Has anyone done a video recorded statement before? Is there any advice? I have no idea what to expect Thankyou xx

OP posts:
Pumpkinpie1 · 19/11/2023 21:23

Providing a video interview statement is not unusual. It’s done to get an accurate account when the memory is fresh and in many cases acts as a means to avoid court attendance as a witness

PCAMA · 20/11/2023 07:54

Hi OP, I'm a detective who regularly conducts video interviews (VRIs) so hopefully I can give a bit of advice 😊

VRIs are conducted with vulnerable and intimidated witnesses and basically an appointment will be made for you to attend a VRI suite where you will meet with two investigators. You'll have a chat beforehand as part of the "assessment" we're they will basically just assess your free recall etc (in case you need any help from an intermediary) and they'll probably show you around the suite.

There will be a room that typically has two cameras in - one that points directly towards where you will be sat and then one that covers the whole room in order to show who is in there. There will be a second room where the second investigator will sit - they will monitor the recording and take notes on behalf of the investigator who is interviewing you so that they can focus on what you're saying.

Once the recording starts, the lead investigator will go through introductions and the basically say "were here because of x, y and z so when you're ready, talk me through it" and then you basically just tell them what's happened. They'll know beforehand exactly what needs to be covered for the "points to prove" so they will let you talk about it all on your own words (and shouldn't interrupt unless you're veering massively off topic) and then they'll likely ask question after just to get you to elaborate on some stuff and to make sure that all of the elements of the offence have been covered.

They'll likely also ask about the impact the offence has had on you - don't worry about getting emotional etc - VRIs are fantastic for truly showing how something has effected you, as opposed to a written statement which can be quite monotone.

You won't be allowed to have anyone in there with you but you can take someone along for support - they will wait for you in a waiting room and if you need to take a break for any reason (whether it's a toilet break or it gets a bit too much) they will happily pause the recording and let you do that.

Like the other poster said, it's also a way to help you with the court process - you will probably still have to go to court if it's a not guilty plea but your main evidence will be the recording which can just be played as opposed to a written statement which you would have to stand up and read to the court. Being a vulnerable or intimidated witness means you're eligible for special measures too - so measures can be put in place at court to prevent you seeing the defendant such as a screen in place or giving evidence from another room over livelink (live video).

If you have any questions feel free to ask :)

Laurlouxx · 08/12/2023 01:47

Hi thankyou for your reply sorry I didn’t see it! That’s really great thankyou, I have been to court against this person before so I kind of know what to expect but I haven’t done the video interview before, so two people will be watching basically? Thankyou :)

OP posts:
PCAMA · 08/12/2023 12:17

No worries 😊
One person in interview with you (ie conducting the interview) and one person observing (watching it on a screen in a separate room). Occasionally there might be two observing but they would need to justify it, such as training.

Laurlouxx · 10/12/2023 15:30

Thankyou, I did the interview yesterday it was fine thanks for the help! 😊 does the person I did the interview about see it?

OP posts:
PCAMA · 10/12/2023 16:37

Prior to someone being charged, I wouldn't show them the VRI but if I hadn't interviewed them yet or had to interview them again about new evidence, then I would tell them what had been said in the VRI to allow them to give their own account.

Once a person is charged we have to disclose everything that we have - so the VRI would be disclosed to the defence (with anything confidential taken out such as date of birth, address etc).

Laurlouxx · 10/12/2023 20:00

That makes sense, thanks so much for your help! I hope to join the police one day 😊

OP posts:
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