Well, an incident in work at Chester a couple of weeks ago has ended up in me having to give a statement to the police. I've given a statement before but for really personal issues, but for something like this without any witnesses...does anyone know if that will affect anything?

No. A statement is just what you believe happened, saw, experienced heard etc. Very often people make a statement to the police and then realise later they'd forgotten something. Don't worry. It's not set in stone.

Best thing to say is: "Cor blimey guv, it's a fair cop. You've got me bang to rights you 'ave. It was me what done it and I deserve to go down!"

Steve

Just say "I didn't realise my new profile picture would have such an effect, m'lud"

ONLY JOKING!!

OK, serious advice time.

Chris, when you go to make the statement, take an adult with you.

The police will ask you what happened, you tell them.

They might ask some questions to get the details right, but don't be irritated, just answer calmly. They weren't there, so they have to ask things to understand what happened.

When you've finished telling them and they've finished asking, they will give you a copy of what they've written down from what you said. Read it through slowly and carefully to make sure it is right. When you are satisfied that it's right, you will be asked to sign it.

If you aren't happy that it is right, explain where you think it's wrong, again CALMLY, and get them to correct it. Then read it again, and when it's right, sign it.

If at any time they say something that confuses or upsets you, stop them and ask for a moment to calm down and gather your thoughts again. Ask the adult with you to help you if you really don't feel comfortable.

Good luck with it.

Katyjay

I can only advise from my experience of giving statements to the police when I was working in A&E. I was even called to court and 'grilled' by the defence lawyer!

Prepare a draft statement or jot down a few notes beforehand and get it clear in your mind what you want to say. When giving statements, I always refer to the patient's medical notes. In your statement, give all the facts of what actually happened or what you saw and avoid giving your interpretation and avoid hearsay. As KJ says, be patient as they can take a while to write everything down. Make sure the way they phrase what you have said does not differ from what you actually mean to say. Don't be afraid to correct any mistakes they make.

At the end, they may ask you which dates you are available/not available should you be asked to go to court.

Always be polite!