There was an incident at work where a patient came in with cuts and wounds. During the assessment, the patient disclosed the weapon used to inflict the wounds and who the attacker may have been. The police have attended and asked me to provide a statement. What do I do, what will happen next, can the NSWNMA help?
If you are ever asked to provide a statement or be a witness in a criminal case, please call the NSWNMA to speak to one of the legal officers for information and advice so you can better understand the process and what might happen next.
A statement is a formal written document outlining what you saw, heard, and did. At the start, it states that you are telling the truth in the statement, and it requires your signature before a witness.
Often the police will ask you to give them a statement in the immediate aftermath of an incident. You are entitled to take the time you need including to seek advice or review any documents you consider will assist you with your recollection before you provide a statement.
You cannot be forced to provide a statement or forced to sign one you don’t agree with.
Let the police know that you wish to seek advice. You are entitled to seek independent legal advice from the NSWNMA before you provide a statement.
You can contact us at gensec@nswnma.asn.au.
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