What should be included in victim/witness/suspect statements?

In criminal investigations, statements from victims, witnesses, and suspects are critical pieces of evidence that contribute to the case. Including direct quotes in these statements is essential because they capture the precise language and emotions expressed by the individuals involved at the time of the incident. This technique ensures that the account remains true to the individual's own words, which can provide nuanced details that are missed in paraphrased summaries. Direct quotes can also be a vital part of establishing the credibility of the statements, as they reflect the personal experience of the speaker without any alteration or bias introduced by the person documenting the statement.

In contrast, focusing solely on factual information, relying on officer opinions, or including assumptions made by witnesses would not provide the same level of accuracy or authenticity. Each of these alternatives could distort the original context or lead to misunderstandings about the events being reported. Therefore, using direct quotes helps maintain the integrity of the investigative process and supports the overall reliability of the testimonies collected.