How to Fulfill the Role of a Witness for Police and the Courts

Author Info

Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Have you just witnessed a crime, or are you preparing for the one time you do? Are you wondering what you should and should not take note of, or how to contact the police and make sure your information is shared? Worried about being called to court? Wonder no more, reading this article will answer these very questions. In a step-by-step fashion, you can learn from the moment you see something, to the ending interviews with officers and final court trial, exactly what to do.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Safety and reporting

Download Article

If you witness a crime in progress, you should run for cover. While you may want to see what’s happening, your safety is your main priority. Find an area away from the crime, but not so far that you can't observe what’s happening. It should shield as much of your body as possible and have an easy escape route. Do not place yourself in harm’s way for the sake of witnessing the crime.
Once safe, you should call the police, pull out your phone, and type in the emergency call number for the police or emergency services. Once they answer, the first thing they will ask for is an address. If you’re not sure where you are, try to use nearby landmarks. Once the dispatcher has your location, they will send officers. In the meantime, they will ask you about the crime that is happening. You should put them on speaker if it's safe to do so.

Advertisement
3
Talk to the dispatcher. At this point, the dispatcher might ask you questions about the crime. They will commonly pertain to the offender. The dispatcher might ask if they have a weapon, what race they are, what their approximate height and age are, and the list goes on. You need to answer the dispatchers’ questions quickly with as much detail as possible. The information you provide could help officers deal with the offender more quickly and effectively.
4
Grab your phone and start recording. If the crime is currently in progress, you can use your phone to record while also being on the phone with the police. You should prioritise calling emergency services before you start recording, so call the police first and then start recording. Inform the dispatcher that you are recording the crime, as this is valuable evidence in court.
- Be careful not to make it obvious to the criminal that this is what you are doing; they aren't dumb. Stay hidden and only record if it is safe to do so.
5
Look for details. The dispatcher will not know what’s happening unless you tell them. Now is the time to take note and say the Race, sex, age, hair color, and any other notable features the people involved have to the best of your abilities, both the victims and offender. Notable features would be tattoos or scars, something unique to that person, perhaps they wear glasses. Sharing any of these can be of great use to police. Try to share as much information until police have arrived, as dispatch calls are often recorded.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Interaction with police

Download Article

Until the scene is secure and you are certain the offender has been stopped or is being pursued, you need to stay in cover. It may be tempting to try to be a hero, but you don't want to end up as the next headline, after all. Wait until the criminal has either fled or is in custody. Only once it is safe to, should you leave your hiding spot.
2
Make contact with the officer when it is safe to do so. Don't interfere when they are apprehending the suspect; wait for the suspect to be secure instead. You don't want to appear as if you are involved or trying to stop the arrest. When you do make contact, tell them what you saw to the best of your ability and give them your contact details (name, address, phone number, etc.).
- Make sure the person you are talking to is a real officer before you tell them any personal information.
3
Show the officer any evidence you have. After telling the officer your testimony, you will have established a timeline. The evidence you may have taken would support and prove what you have just stated, especially video evidence. Officers may give you an email to send the videos or photos over to them, or they may ask you to come down to the station later. At this point, sharing any details that pertain to the evidence should be shared now, such as recordings, photos, and information about the suspect in general.
- Remember that what you see as small and unimportant may actually be very important to the police to know, so tell them everything you remember to the best of your ability, even if it doesn't sound important. Tell them the race, approximate height, approximate age, what clothes they were wearing, and if they have any tattoos, scars, etc.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

After the crime

Download Article

1
Visit the police station. For a variety of reasons, the officer might not take your statement or evidence at the crime scene. There are several good reasons for that, and in these cases, you will probably be called to the station to give your testimony there. You can also call them to arrange a time and share what happened. When you are at the station, and you enter, usually there will be someone at the front desk. Approach them and tell them why you’re there, and if you can mention an officer or detective associated with the case, do so.
- Remember that it is in everyone's best interest that any evidence or testimony you have is shared sooner rather than later.
2
Follow the instructions of officers. You will be taken to a room with officers to speak about the case and what exactly you witnessed. Here you will share the details of what you saw from your initial taking cover to your approach to an officer on scene. At some point, you should mention a description of the offender and victim with as much detail as possible, and also be sure the department has your evidence, if you recorded or photographed the crime.
- You may be asked to go through your account a few times, so be prepared to repeat yourself.
Depending on what evidence you have and what you saw, you may be required to go to court to give testimony to the jury. Be prepared for this possibility, and if it does happen, make sure to dress professionally and to arrive early to pass through security.^{[1]
X
Research source}
4
Speak clearly and loudly. Courtrooms can be quite spacious; be sure that everyone attending can clearly hear what you are saying. You will be asked questions about the case at least once by both sides. The prosecution will start, and then the defense will follow. When being asked about the case, be truthful and whole in your responses. Your time on the stand may be brief, or it may take several hours; it is important to know that your testimony affects the way justice is carried out in this case.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Do not try to point to innocence or guilt, just state what you saw and do as you are asked.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Prioritize safety above all. If recording the crime puts you in danger, don't do it.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
When in the interview room, remain calm and collected. There is no reason for you to be stressed.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you end up on the stand, be clear and confident in your answers and do not speculate towards guilt or innocence.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0