Witness to an Arrest or Police Violence?

Please write a witness statement as soon as possible after the event.

If you’re a witness to something that’s happening right now, please stop reading this page and give us a call right away on 07946541511.

If you have seen

  • an arrest
  • an injury
  • police brutality
  • abuse of police powers

You may be a useful witness if a criminal or civil case goes ahead. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible at courtsupport@protonmail.com, or 07946 541511.  You can check out our Witness Appeal page for our current call-outs, but please do write a statement even if what you saw happened at a different action.

Please include as many details as you can remember, at least the following:

  • Who was involved
  • When it happened
  • Where it happened
  • Where you were standing in relation to the incident
  • What happened, in full

The purpose of writing it is just so that you can remember what happened, and the sooner it’s written the better.  A solicitor may later want to discuss what you saw, so it’s good to keep your memory fresh.  Sometimes cases hinge on small details that are easily forgotten. Make sure to send a copy to courtsupport@protonmail.com so the Activist Court Aid Brigade can keep it safe for future.

Be aware that having written a witness statement does not automatically mean you will end up being a witness in court. The incident you have witnessed may not end in a court case or there may be other witnesses who have seen more than you. But please do write a statement anyway!

Key Messages

  • No Comment
  • You do not need to answer police questions, so don’t.

  • No Personal Details
  • You don't have to give details under ANY stop and search power.

  • No Duty Solicitor
  • Use a recommended solicitor with protest experience.

  • No Caution
  • They admit guilt for an alleged offence that might never get to court.

  • What Power?
  • Ask "What power?" to challenge a police officer to act lawfully.

Elsewhere