how to write a personal statement for the police

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Police Application Personal Statement Example & Tips

Table of Contents

A job as a police officer is one of the world’s most demanding and rewarding jobs. This guide offers a good police application personal statement example to teach you how to structure your statement.

A personal statement example shows an employer that you have the skills to work in law enforcement. Read on to see how to structure a good police personal statement and learn from an example.

Personal Statement for a Police Application

Many people aspire to a law enforcement career and envision themselves as police officers. You merely need a high school diploma or equivalent, such as the General Educational Development (GED), to qualify.

To begin your career as a police officer, you must first be accepted into and graduate from a police academy. But there’s more to it than just filling out an application.

A solid education, application requirements, and a battery of exams are needed to qualify and progress in your area. If you have professional expertise, cover letters and personal statements can assist you in getting into the police academy and networking with law enforcement.

How to Write a Captivating Personal Statement for a Police Application

Creating a cover letter can sound needlessly complicated as if you’re trying to customize your application for each job opportunity. Consequently, you may compose a personal statement.

Your history, values, and hobbies should be in a personal statement. Explain in your statement why you want to become a police officer and how attending the academy would help you achieve this goal.

Some guidelines for crafting an engaging personal statement are provided below.

• Get your thoughts down on paper.
• Take your time composing your essay.
• Take care to pick and use the correct phrases.
• Utilize your strengths as a writer to guide your work.
• Begin with a solid introduction.
• Do not make up anything; stick to the truth.
• Check your statement for typos.

Police Application Personal Statement Example

The personal statement for a police application is meant to show how valuable a resource the applicant can be for the police force. Here’s an excellent example from INK .

As a law enforcement professional with years of experience, my devotion to public service and justice will be helpful as an officer. I’m proud of my local community’s impact in avoiding crime through education, awareness, and support.

I take great pride in communicating effectively with a wide array of individuals. From teaching kids to avoid danger to defusing heated disputes, I’ve seen how important it is for officers to be proactive and convincing.

My aptitude for problem-solving, resourcefulness, and persistence make me an ideal candidate for this position. I have consistently exemplified ethical conduct throughout my career by making prudent decisions to uphold justice and respect people’s rights. In addition, I have earned repute among colleagues due to my punctuality in attending to details and completing tasks promptly and accurately.

In conclusion, my professional experiences have prepared me for the demands of police work, and I look forward to serving my community.

The police application personal statement example above is a very stunning example of a well-written personal statement for a police application. Write with passion in your application and reassure the reader that you have the specific skills they need.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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When faced with a criminal accusation, one of the initial encounters you may have is with the police.

During this interaction, you may be asked to provide a statement. It’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities in these situations.

The statement you give to the police can significantly influence the course of your case.

At Sarah Leamon Law, we are focused on ensuring our clients are well-informed about their rights, including the right to remain silent and the potential implications of providing a statement to the police.

What is a Police Statement?

A police statement is a written or verbal account given to the police about an event or series of events that the person has witnessed or been involved in.

It can be a crucial piece of evidence in a criminal investigation and can significantly influence the course of a case.

Do I Have to Give a Statement to the Police?

No, you are not legally obligated to provide a statement to the police if you are accused of a crime. It is part of your right to remain silent, which is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

However, there are certain circumstances, such as during a traffic stop, where you may be required to provide some information.

What is a Witness Statement?

A witness statement is a written account given by an individual who has witnessed a crime or event.

A witness statement provides details about what the witness saw, heard, or experienced and can serve as crucial evidence in a criminal investigation or trial.

How to Write a Statement for the Police?

If you choose to provide a statement to the police, you must be clear, concise, and truthful. Stick to the facts that you know or experienced directly. And avoid speculating or guessing about things you’re unsure of.

It’s also advisable to consult with a lawyer before providing a statement to ensure that you understand your rights and the potential implications of your statement.

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What Happens When You Make a Statement to the Police?

When you make a statement to the police, it becomes a part of the official record for the investigation.

The police may use this statement to further their investigation, and it could potentially be used as evidence if the case goes to court.

You should keep in mind that once a statement is given, it cannot be taken back or changed without potentially serious legal consequences.

What Should I Not Say in a Police Statement?

In a police statement, you should avoid speculation, assumptions, or hearsay. Stick to the facts that you know or experienced directly. Do not provide information on which you are unsure. Avoid making self-incriminating statements.

It’s also vital not to lie or provide false information, as this can lead to charges of perjury or obstructing justice.

If You Give a Statement to the Police, Do You Have to Go to Court?

No, giving a statement to the police does not necessarily mean you will have to go to court. However, depending on the nature of the case and the content of your statement, you could be called as a witness in court.

Can You Record While Giving a Statement to Police?

Laws regarding recording interactions with the police vary by jurisdiction. In some places, it is legal to record your own interactions with the police, as long as you are not interfering with their duties.

However, it’s always best to inform the police that you are recording, and to consult with a lawyer beforehand.

Is a Police Statement Admissible in Court?

Yes, a police statement can be admissible in court. However, for the statement to be used as evidence, it must be relevant to the case and must not violate any rules of evidence, such as the rule against hearsay. The admissibility of a police statement is ultimately determined by the judge.

Can I Refuse to Give a Statement to the Police?

You have the right to refuse to give a statement to the police. Under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you are protected by the right to remain silent.

What Happens if You Don’t Give a Statement to the Police?

If you choose not to give a statement to the police, they may continue their investigation using other available evidence.

Your decision to remain silent cannot be used as evidence of guilt. However, depending on the circumstances, not providing a statement could potentially limit some of the defence strategies available to you later.

It’s always best to consult with a lawyer before deciding whether to give a statement.

Can You Refuse to Give a Witness Statement?

You could refuse to give a witness statement. However, if the matter goes to court, you could be subpoenaed to testify.

If you refuse to comply with a subpoena, you could face legal consequences.

The best course of action is to consult with a lawyer if you’re unsure about your rights and obligations as a witness.

Do You Have the Right to Remain Silent in Canada?

You have the right to remain silent. This is a fundamental right protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In other words, you are not obligated to answer any questions posed by the police, especially those that could potentially incriminate you.

However, there are certain situations, such as during a traffic stop, where you may be required to provide some basic information.

Contact Us Today Before Making a Police Statement

If you’re faced with the prospect of providing a police statement, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the potential implications of your statement. At Sarah Leamon Law, our team is ready to guide you through this process, ensuring your rights are protected and you’re making informed decisions.

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How to Complete Your Personal History Statement

What is a Personal History Statement?

If you want to become a police officer in the United States, you must complete a personal history statement .

As the name suggests, a personal history statement documents your life up to this point – both your life and your past . It seeks to identify the kind of person you are, and whether you are qualified and able to work as a competent law enforcement officer.

Completing the personal history statement properly is very important. Any omission of detail, for instance, will be marked down.

Omitting information is considered deceptive behavior.

When do I have to complete the statement?

It depends.

Each police department has their own guidelines. Some departments ask you to fill out the personal history statement at the end of your police officer exam. Other departments ask you to fill out the form at home and then send the completed document, through mail or email, to the department.

Contact your local police department to learn more about the protocol that impacts your application.

What information is requested on the statement?

Again, this varies by department.

Typically, though, applicants are asked to provide most if not all the following information:

• Recent photograph
• Personal details : name, address, telephone numbers, and your driver’s license number
• Identification details : height, weight, eye and hair color, presence of scars or tattoos
• Any past involvement in crime or with law enforcement
• Any past transgressions with driving, traffic, or tickets
• Details about your family
• Work history
• Military enlistment details
• Financial and credit history
• Organizational memberships
• Any significant awards or achievements
• Your signature

Though this is not an exhaustive list, it offers some perspective on the kind of information you may need to include in your police PHS.

Here is the personal history application by Houston Police Department . Take the time to review this document, as it is likely to be like the form you will be asked to complete.

Collect the Relevant Information

You may be asked to complete the PHS at short notice, so it’s important that applicants prepare in advance.

Take the time to collect relevant information. Based on the list above, this must at the very least include:

• Documenting every address you have ever stayed at . Include contact details of landlords, property managers, or neighbors, where appropriate.
• Gathering employment history details . Include employer information, including contact details. Make a note of whether the employment was full-time, part-time, or voluntary.
• Identifying any traffic violations you may have had . This includes speeding, failing to stop, or driving with expired licenses.
• Finding references . Very often, departments restrict who is qualified to act as a legitimate reference. Teachers, parents, and employers may be disqualified. Instead, neighbors or friends may be deemed more impartial. Other restrictions may also be in place, such as the need to know the person for a certain number of years.

Take the time to learn whether your police department wants official documents or whether they are content with copied documents . Depending on the nature of the documents, it may involve a mix of both.

If you are completing the PHS after your police exam , it’s important to collect these documents beforehand and keep them in a safe place.

Should I lie on my personal history statement?

Candidates should never lie on their personal history statement.

Personal history statements are a form of background investigation. If you are found to be untruthful about small details, then investigators will ask the legitimate question of whether you are lying about anything more serious. It also calls into question your judgment and trustworthiness . You will be considered too high risk, and the police department will be left with little choice but to terminate your application.

Investigators are more likely than not going to discover the truth. It is simply not worth the risk. Law enforcement officers are sworn to uphold the law and values of the state in which they operate. Lying compromises and breaches that fundamental principle to begin with.

Stay honest. Investigators are more likely to “forgive and forget” if you can demonstrate that you learned from the mistake and are a more mature and better person because of it . That is a positive twist on any past transgression, and it is far better for your application than lying ever could be.

Last Minute Checks

Always conduct last minute checks.

Given the sheer volume of detail and documents needed, it’s all too easy to let something pass or go forgotten. Double and triple check whether the documents required are that which were requested, and that you have all relevant detail requested by the personal history statement.

Make it easier for investigators to work through your application by writing in a neat and legible manner. Try to be as accurate as possible when it comes to spelling and grammar, too. Double and triple check dates and names and phone numbers. Invest time in your application. Don’t complete the application in a rush, as this only increases the risk of including unnecessary and avoidable errors.

By taking these steps, your personal history statement will be complete and accurate and an honest representation of who you are. It’s now down to your police department to assess whether you are the kind of person they wish to see join their law enforcement ranks.

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Criminology & criminal justice personal statement example.

People should be aware of the law and the consequences for those prepared to break it, however, the law is still broken. I find reasons for this very interesting. Originally, I believed them to purely cognitive; but after further research from my readings and attending conferences, I quickly found that this was not the case. I want to investigate how Government enforces the law with overcrowded prisons and rising costs to the taxpayer, causing people to become more laxed when following the rules. I am fascinated by current criminal trends and the availability of drugs, observing the effects they have on society as a whole.

During the summer holidays I attended a most interesting and inspiring “Insight into Crime” conference at The University of -. I was able to speak to a reformed prisoner, who gave me his own reasons for his offending. I also had the opportunity to look at the work of CSI (forensics), along with being able to analyse and discuss a mock up crime scene, through a variety of different activities. I also had a taste of university life, staying the night in halls.

I have a long standing ambition to serve as a police officer, and completed a very enjoyable and interesting two weeks’ work experience placement with the police. I experienced working with PCs, patrolling the area and attending call outs, showing me how challenging, but rewarding police work is. I had the opportunity to undertake in the administrative work in various different departments I had previously not been aware of and saw the importance of their work. This experience helped improve my communication skills and confidence when dealing with members of the public.

At A2 level I study business studies, geography, and philosophy and ethics. I also studied psychology at AS level. I thoroughly enjoy all my subjects and apply myself fully to them, cultivating the analytical and evaluative skills they demand. Outside the classroom, I have been on geographical field trips to -, - and -, collecting and analysing my own data. I successfully took part in Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme where I was able to undertake in various activities and gaining skills such as stamina and team work. I particularly enjoyed the paired reading scheme where I helped 8 year old children to read. I am also a member of my local church choir and am actively engaged in church youth activities. I enjoy acting and have taken part in many productions, including a performance at the -, as well as taking an interest back stage, painting and designing the set for numerous school productions, a passion I hope to continue at university.

At my last school I was Chairman of the School Council. This position demanded good leadership qualities and organisational and communication skills, including taking regular meetings and liaising with staff and students, often using my own initiative when needed. I am currently a House Prefect which requires me to help the tutor on duty in the running of the boarding house. I was also a part of the Army Cadets at -, where I developed my skills in activities as diverse as first aid, shooting and map reading. This experience also taught me valuable lessons in self discipline, a skill I have been able to apply to my A level studies. I have also been a member of the school Rounders, Netball and Hockey teams, as well as attending tennis club, keeping me involved in school life as well as maintaining my physical fitness. In my spare time I like to relax by going to the gym regularly, pottery and cooking.

I am fully committed to studying Criminology at degree level. I consider myself an outgoing, cheerful, industrious, intelligent and friendly person who has much to contribute to the wider life of the university, and would relish at the opportunity to continue my academic studies at the highest possible level.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by tea for application in 2009.

tea's Comments

This PS isn't perfect but did get me provisional offers into all five unis less than two weeks after submitting my application. Since I have now graduated I may as well make it available to help others.

This personal statement is unrated

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Making a statement to the police

• Related content
• Peer review
• Glenn Cornish , consultant psychiatrist
• Surrey and Hampshire Borders Partnership NHS Trust Glenn.Cornish{at}surreyoaklands.nhs.uk

You may be called on to make a statement to the police at any stage in your career. Typical examples are:

When you have seen someone in accident and emergency who has been assaulted

As a paediatrician, where abuse is alleged

If one of your psychiatric patients offends

Making a statement to the police is not difficult, but can raise anxieties. It is actually a straightforward procedure, which you already have the skills to do successfully. Usually the statement is all that is needed but occasionally it will be necessary to attend court as well. In this case it is well worth seeking specific training, advice from the police, and/or from your defence organisation. Unless the court directs you to break confidentiality, you should usually obtain your patient's consent to disclose details about their treatment. You should follow the General Medical Council's guidance on confidentiality.

The purpose of a police statement is to record your observations and conclusions in a way that will be most helpful to the court. Generally, a police officer will guide you through the process, and write the actual statement down.

You should start by saying who you are, your job, qualifications, and your involvement with the case.

You can and should refer to notes that you (or your team) made, and say this in the statement. You can also report things from memory but you must comment on how certain you are about accuracy. Statements are most helpful if they use short sentences, non-medical language, and clarify the differences between your observations and conclusions. The officer who takes your statement will try to help you achieve this, but you should be entirely happy with the result, which is your statement alone. Do not be afraid to clarify technical terms and include everything that you believe to be relevant. You should not feel pressured to include anything you do not wish to, or to omit anything.

At the end you will be asked to check the statement. It is crucial you do this carefully and correct or amend anything you wish to. You may subsequently be asked in detail about any part of your statement in court. You must feel comfortable that it is accurate in fact and in its conclusions.

Cooperate as far as confidentiality allows

Refer to notes and quote directly if appropriate

Express any uncertainty you have

Use short phrases and non-technical language

Make a statement if you feel uncertain about the process

Make a statement you would not be happy to defend in court

Automatically agree to wording suggested by an officer

Feel afraid to make corrections or alterations at any point

Fail to check the statement thoroughly before signing it

The author took advice from police officers in drafting this article. ■

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How to Write a Personal Statement

A personal statement can be a key part of your college application, and you can really make yours shine by following a few tips.

When you're applying to college—either to an undergraduate or graduate program—you may be asked to submit a personal statement. It's an essay that gives you the chance to share more about who you are and why you'd like to attend the university you're applying to.  

The information you provide in your personal statement can help build on your other application materials, like your transcripts and letters of recommendation, and build a more cohesive picture to help the admissions committee understand your goals.

In this article, we'll go over more about personal statements, including why they're important, what to include in one, and tips for strengthening yours.

What is a personal statement?

A personal statement—sometimes known as a college essay —is a brief written essay you submit with other materials when applying to college or university. Personal statements tend to be most common for undergraduate applications, and they're a great opportunity for an admissions committee to hear your voice directly.

Many colleges and universities in the US, especially those using Common App , provide prompts for you to use. For example, "Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea" or "Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time" [ 1 ]. If the school you're interested in attending doesn't require prompts, you will likely want to craft a response that touches on your story, your values, and your goals if possible.

In grad school, personal statements are sometimes known as letters of intent , and go into more detail about your academic and professional background, while expressing interest in attending the particular program you're applying to.

Why is a personal statement important?

Personal statements are important for a number of reasons. Whereas other materials you submit in an application can address your academic abilities (like your transcripts) or how you perform as a student (like your letters of recommendation), a personal statement is a chance to do exactly that: get more personal.

Personal statements typically:

Permit you to share things that don't fit on your resume, such as personal stories, motivations, and values

Offer schools a chance to see why you're interested in a particular field of study and what you hope to accomplish after you graduate 

Provide an opportunity for you to talk about past employment, volunteer experiences, or skills you have that complement your studies 

Allow colleges to evaluate your writing skills 

Bring life to a college application package otherwise filled with facts and figures 

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How to write a personal statement.

As we mentioned earlier, you may have to respond to a prompt when drafting your personal statement—or a college or university may invite you to respond however you'd like. In either case, use the steps below to begin building your response.

Create a solid hook .

To capture the attention of an admissions committee member, start your personal statement with a hook that relates to the topic of your essay. A hook tends to be a colorful sentence or two at the very beginning that compels the reader to continue reading.

To create a captivating hook, try one of these methods:

Pose a rhetorical question. 

Provide an interesting statistic. 

Insert a quote from a well-known person.

Challenge the reader with a common misconception. 

Use an anecdote, which is a short story that can be true or imaginary. 

Credibility is crucial when writing a personal statement as part of your college application process. If you choose a statistic, quote, or misconception for your hook, make sure it comes from a reliable source.

Follow a narrative.

The best personal statements typically read like a story: they have a common theme, as well as a beginning, middle, and end. This type of format also helps keep your thoughts organized and improves the flow of your essay.

Common themes to consider for your personal statement include:

Special role models from your past

Life-altering events you've experienced

Unusual challenges you've faced

Accomplishments you're especially proud of

Service to others and why you enjoy it

What you've learned from traveling to a particular place

Unique ways you stand out from other candidates

Be specific.

Admissions committees read thousands of personal statements every year, which is why being specific on yours is important. Back up your statements with examples or anecdotes.

For instance, avoid vague assertions like, "I'm interested in your school counseling program because I care about children." Instead, point out experiences you've had with children that emphasize how much you care. For instance, you might mention your summer job as a day camp counselor or your volunteer experience mentoring younger children.

Don't forget to include detail and vibrancy to keep your statement interesting. The use of detail shows how your unique voice and experiences can add value to the college or university you're applying to.

Stay on topic.

It's natural to want to impress the members of the admissions committee who will read your personal statement. The best way to do this is to lead your readers through a cohesive, informative, and descriptive essay.

If you feel you might be going astray, ensure each paragraph in your essay's body supports your introduction. Here are a few more strategies that can help keep you on track:

Know what you want to say and do research if needed. 

Create an outline listing the key points you want to share.

Read your outline aloud to confirm it makes logical sense before proceeding. 

Read your essay aloud while you're writing to confirm you're staying on topic.

Ask a trusted friend or family member to read your essay and make suggestions.

Be true to your own voice.

Because of the importance of your personal statement, you could be tempted to be very formal with structure and language. However, using a more relaxed tone is better than you would for a classroom writing assignment. 

Remember: admissions committees really want to hear from you . Writing in your own voice will help accomplish this. To ensure your tone isn't too relaxed, write your statement as if you were speaking to an older relative or trusted teacher. This way, you'll come across as respectful, confident, and honest.

Tips for drafting an effective personal statement.

Now that you've learned a little about personal statements and how to craft them, here are a few more tips you can follow to strengthen your essay:

1. Customize your statement.

You don't have to completely rewrite your personal statement every time you apply to a new college, but you want to make sure you tailor it as much as possible. For instance, if you talk about wanting to take a certain class or study a certain subject, make sure you adjust any specifics for each application.

2. Avoid cliches.

Admissions committees are ultimately looking for students who will fit the school, and who the school can help guide toward their larger goals. In that case, cliches can get in the way of a reviewer understanding what it is you want from a college education. Watch out for cliches like "making a difference," "broadening my horizons," or "the best thing that ever happened to me."

3. Stay focused.

Try to avoid getting off-track or including tangents in your personal statement. Stay focused by writing a first draft and then re-reading what you've written. Does every paragraph flow from one point to the next? Are the ideas you're presenting cohesive?

4. Stick to topics that aren't controversial.

It's best not to discuss political beliefs or inappropriate topics in your essay. These can be controversial; ideally, you want to share something goals- or values-driven with an admissions committee.

Polish your writing skills on Coursera.

A stellar personal statement starts with stellar writing skills. Enhance your writing ability with a writing course from a top university, like Good with Words: Writing and Editing from the University of Michigan or Writing a Personal Essay from Wesleyan University. Get started for free to level up your writing.

Article sources

1. Common App. " 2022-2023 Common App Essay Prompts , https://www.commonapp.org/blog/2022-2023-common-app-essay-prompts." Accessed January 9, 2024.

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Rank Success Blog

Free uk police promotion to sergeant, inspector and beyond.

Applications , Inspector , Personal Statements

Personal Statements: Written Application

As part of the UK police promotion ‘ postcode lottery ‘, some police forces ask candidates to submit a personal statement as part of the promotion process. Vast cohorts of Sergeant, Inspector and Chief Inspector candidates fail the initial stages of a selection process. It happens every year! If you aspire to the next rank and wherever you are at in your promotion journey, get started on your own  personal statement  now.

Your force may not ask you directly for a personal statement in a written application. It’s more likely to be phrased as follows:

• Tell us  why you  are right for the role of Sergeant / Inspector / Chief Inspector?  Why now?
• What  relevant attributes  do you possess for promotion to the next rank?
• Tell us about your  experience and qualifications  that support your immediate promotion to Sergeant / Inspector / Chief Inspector?

“When aspirations are perceived to be achievable, ambition and drive can erase excuses.” – Lori Myers

All the bullet points above are essentially the same. Simply, they are prompts seeking answers to the question:  Why You?

Your personal statement helps you ‘sell’ your skills, knowledge and achievements to those considering you for promotion. It’s an extremely valuable opportunity to persuade assessors of your suitability for advancement,  in writing .

For many officers, it’s a wasted opportunity. Some are unaware of the importance of personal statements. Others start too late. Another issue is writer’s block. This is because personal statements can be difficult to compile, especially under self-inflicted time pressure of short submission deadlines for promotion applications. Consequently officers produce a simple, chronological career summary, instead of doing the following:

• Specifically answering the question(s)
• Ensuring evidence relates to the role functions and behaviours
• Aligning content to the competency and values framework

Choices, Choices…

“In every single thing you do, you are choosing a direction. Your life is a product of choices.” – Dr Kathleen Hall

A personal statement is something I encourage  every aspiring promotion candidate to commence ASAP . Most importantly, if you are reading this you can get to work on yours now. Besides, it’s in your power and an important choice.

Capturing the essence of who you are, with supporting evidence aligned to specific CVF behaviours, can be a difficult task. Doing so in just a couple of hundred words needs  dedicated time . If you aspire to promotion now or in the near future, give yourself time. Here’s a two-word plan:  START TODAY!  It’s probably one of the most significant choices you will ever make on your promotion journey.

Even if your own force doesn’t require applications as part of a promotion selection process:

• It is still a  valuable development exercise.
• You can also compile a personal statement to  support your promotion interview preparation  (I’ll cover more on that in a separate blog).
• Done well, your personal statement is a  gift to yourself  that keeps giving.

Use the three points at the beginning of this blog as a prompt to get started. Because even if it’s just writing down your first draft, you’ll be thinking on the right tracks and it will serve you well.

“General Information”

“The devil is in the detail.” – Aby Warburg

At the beginning of your application form, there is often a  “general information” section . You will be asked to answer questions requiring  supporting information about your skills, qualifications or specialist knowledge. This “general information” section may or may not form part of the application scoring. In any case, it is important to read through and carefully check the detailed guidance provided. Pay just as much attention to these parts! Use the opportunity, conveying what you can within the permitted word limit.

What you write in this section may ultimately influence which role/post you are promoted into. This is because officers are needed where they will be most effective to the force. Don’t let your focus or standards drop on this section, even if you are told it doesn’t form part of the scoring. Always take such advice with a pinch of salt, because it still requires professionalism!

By the way, I purposefully put “general information” in inverted commas: Don’t be fooled, because they are not looking for general information! They are really looking for  specific information, matching you to the role functions and behaviours .

What does a personal statement look like?

“Putting pen to paper lights more fire than matches ever will.” – Malcom. S. Forbes

Here’s a typical first section on a promotion application form. This example seeks “general information” on personal motivation and development for promotion to Inspector rank:

How do you meet the requirements for the rank of Inspector? Tell us why you believe you are right for the role now. Your evidence should cover your personal motivation and your development to get to this point. (450 words)

You may notice that these instructions contain four separate points (the role requirements, your readiness, personal motivation, and CPD). Breaking them first down into sub headers can help ensure you cover each required element of the question. Below is an example answer and personal statement, with links to other key content for further understanding. I provide more varied examples in my popular and extensive ‘What Works: Promotion Evidence & Examples’ guides for both Sergeant and Inspector / Chief Inspector ranks.

I believe I’m right for the role of inspector because I possess a proven  track record of leadership ability . I am aware of  current/future challenges   facing policing, including greater public scrutiny/expectations, complexity of demand and changes in technology/crime types.

As Temporary Inspector, I’ve acquired a breadth of operational and leadership experience over two years. Together with strong commitment to shared  values , this equips me to lead and support colleagues/partners through  change  and deliver future policing services.

I meet the role requirements, having supervised Constables, Sergeants and Police Staff effectively, whilst performing at middle manager level. I also received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for my investigation leadership following a stabbing of a male on a bus. My attributes include having the required drive, energy and resilience necessary to ensure Anyforce remains a place where people feel safe to live, work and visit.

My personal leadership style is essentially transformational, favouring a supportive/empowering approach to colleagues. I am personable and treat individuals according to their needs. This people-focus helps me establish and maintain professional working relationships, overcoming personal barriers. For example, recent praise from Community Leaders for my influence in improving relations with key partners and stakeholders.

I concentrate on  setting, maintaining and improving standards   around what my teams ‘can’ do. I focus on drivers of public confidence, including the effective investigation of crime (ensuring Sergeants are managing investigations, reviewing workloads and updating victims), alleviating ASB in communities, and delivering the best service possible with resources we have (prioritising resources efficiently and reviewing what works).

Policing is a vocation for me. It inspires and motivates me towards career progression. I am ready for substantive promotion, but realise my capacity to grow as a leader is founded in my personal development and enabling development opportunities for others. My Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plan includes leadership modules (managing teams through change, leading Critical Incidents), Temporary Inspector duties, coaching/mentoring activity, and utilising 360-degree feedback. I communicate effectively and can work at all levels. I understand the role is about driving performance, through developing people and improving processes.

I serve my community as a Local School Governor, leading the school’s Safeguarding Committee. I am level-headed in challenging environments, accountable for my  decision-making , most importantly supported by clear rationale. I maximise opportunities to identify the most vulnerable, by instigating sound  risk assessments   to ensure appropriate safeguarding is implemented. I can recognise and  learn from mistakes , identifying lessons/good practice through debriefs.

As an Inspector, I believe that connecting my teams with our force  mission, vision and values  through my personal leadership will maintain a consistent focus upon building trust and confidence  with our communities.

You can convey a tremendous amount about yourself and your skills within 450 words. Imagine if you had to distil it to 250! What else would you say if you had 1000? Always use your full word allowance to compile the very best ‘pen picture’ of you and your potential for assessors to consider. You’ll normally have up to six additional questions or examples to deal with as part of your promotion application. These are more focused on specific CVF competencies and/or values .

It is very important to maximise the opportunity a personal statement offers, because you can communicate additional information about yourself. This is especially valuable in an interview scenario, so see my blog on personal statements for interviews .

For now, if you are serious about achieving a promotion,  it’s time to act .

Kind Regards, Steve

“Being ready isn’t enough, you have to be prepared for promotion.” – Pat Riley

Author’s Note: This post was first published in January 2019, as part of the additional free written content I provide for cops on the popular police news site, Police Hour. Minor updates have been made when incorporating the content here on my main blog site.

If you found this blog helpful, you can hit the ground running with your promotion preparation. Get your personal  digital promotion toolkit , attend or download my  Police Promotion Masterclass , or contact me to arrange  personal coaching support . For more completely free, no-strings content, I have a collection of  videos , eGuides,  a podcast , plus more free blog content via my  Police Hour guest articles .

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Seattle, WA | 206-708-7852

Should i give a statement to the police, giving a statement to police officers: a criminal defense lawyer | attorney’s perspective.

As Criminal Defense lawyers | attorneys, we hear this question a lot.  Those who gave statements to the police officer during an investigation , do so based on some general beliefs and assumptions:

• Why not give a statement if you have nothing to hide?
• If you tell the police what happened, they might understand and not arrest you or go easier on you.
• If you did it, admitting it to police officers makes the prosecutor and court go easier on you.
• Without a statement, an officer will arrest you because they do not know both sides of the story.
• Officers get angry if you do not give a statement and are more likely to arrest you.
• If they haven’t arrested you, you might be able to talk your way out of it
• If they have arrested you, you still might be able to talk your way out of it.

There are problems with these beliefs and assumptions.

Prosecutors, Juries and Judges Decide Cases, Not Police Officers .   Police officers are trained authority figures that investigate crimes   by collecting facts and evidence. In today’s world, officers have almost no discretion to make charging decisions due to liability and policy. Prosecuting attorneys have the final call on all charging decisions and if the facts support a reasonable chance of conviction of a crime, a prosecuting attorney will almost always file.  It is the prosecuting attorneys who make final charging decisions as well as weigh cases for plea or trial based on the facts they have available to prove their case and, sometimes, the politics of a particular situation. Officers collect evidence, write reports and support the charging prosecuting attorney in criminal prosecutions. Any promise a police officer makes is, at best, a good intention, or it is just another method a trained authority figure uses to induce you to give a statement, facts or evidence.  Any annoyance a police officer has with you refusing to give a statement is just another form of pressure to get you to give a statement they know you do not have to give. Ever heard of “good cop, bad cop” … it is just another technique of getting information. If an officer is going to arrest you, nothing you say or do can change that. All you have done is locked yourself into a statement as the officer remembers it and/or wrote it down.

Statements are Subject to Bias, Memory and Conflicting Facts. Every experienced criminal defense lawyer | attorney worth their salt knows this. The problem is that once a police officer takes a statement and swears that this is what he / she heard, if you change your story, you are lying because officers do not lie, officers do not make mistakes, and officers are not biased.  This set of three assumptions is intrinsic to our entire criminal system and whether it is true or not, juries need to and do believe this as a generality.   Certainly, it is fair to say that defendants have a lot more reasons to lie than officers do and this “truth” is used quite a bit in courtrooms.  Trying to explain away a misstatement is a lot harder than giving no statement at all till you meet with an experienced counsel, look at the evidence against you and then, and only then, consider your options.

Statements are Admissible.

Keep in mind that until you are arrested (when this happens, it is a grey area you should discuss with counsel), your statements are admissible without requiring standard Miranda warnings ; so, any statements made before an arrest will be noted and put into a report, just as any statements given after a Miranda warning will be used unless you clearly assert your right to counsel or your right to remain silent and stop talking.

If they don’t hear my side of the story, they will arrest me. The toughest part of this statement is that it is, in part, true.  Hearing your side of the story may prevent you from being arrested, but it also may not.  When weighing whether you want to take this risk, you must weigh everything else said above and consider when the best time to give a statement is: Is it before speaking with your lawyer and knowing the evidence against you? Are you certain your story will be  written down correctly?  Is the investigator biased?  The problem is that if you are going to give a statement, giving a recorded statement on your terms is the golden standard: it is what a trial is all about.

The criminal defense lawyers | attorneys in our office have handled an enormous number of complicated cases in the criminal arena over the course of our lengthy criminal law careers. We are a unique blend of courtroom experience, knowledge, skills and temperament. Our lawyers know criminal cases are rarely as simple as the police reports claim and our clients hire us because they want staunch and effective counsel who takes the time to make sure their clients’ rights are protected. Whether our role is as legal counsel, negotiator, or litigator, we have years of experience fighting and resolving cases with our clients’ best interests in mind.

Robert Rhodes

Criminal law articles.

Speak to our legal team now

• June 20, 2023

Home » AVO » Guide to Writing and Concluding a Police Statement

Guide to Writing and Concluding a Police Statement

A police statement or witness statement is a written account of what an individual remembers about an incident. A police statement is typically a formal account provided to the police by an individual who has either witnessed an incident or has information related to a crime.

It is recorded by law enforcement officers during their investigation. This statement is often more formalized and may be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

How to Write a Police Statement

Here are the key components that should be included in a police statement:

• Personal Details: Start with your full name, address, and date of birth. You may also need to include your contact information and occupation.
• Time and Date: Write down the date and time you made the statement. Also include the date and time of the incident, if you remember them.
• Location of the Incident: Describe the site where the incident took place. Include any significant landmarks or features that might help identify them.
• Detailed Account of the Incident: Provide a detailed description of what happened. This should be written in the first person and in your own words. It should be explicit, including what you saw, heard, said, and did.
• Description of Persons or Objects: If the incident involves other people or objects, describe them in as much detail as possible. For people, this can include gender, age, height, clothing, distinguishing features, etc. It could consist of size, colour, shape, or object markings.
• The Sequence of Events: The events should be described in the order they happened. If you need more clarification about the exact sequence, it’s okay to say so. However, exercise caution and avoid offering unnecessary details or speculative information that might cloud the accuracy of your account.
• Direct Speech: If you report a conversation, try to recall the exact words. If you can’t remember the same words, clarify that you are paraphrasing.
• Closing Statement: Close by stating that the details in the statement are accurate to the best of your knowledge and belief.

End the Police Statement

• Closing Sentences: After providing all the pertinent information, state that it is complete to the best of your knowledge and belief. For instance, you could say, “This claim is true to the best of my knowledge and belief, and I make it knowing that if it is tendered in evidence, I may be liable to prosecution if I have included anything in it that I know to be false or do not believe to be true.”
• Signature and Date: Leave a space for your signature after your closing sentence. Signing your statement confirms that you stand by the information provided in it. Remember also to include the date you are signing the declaration.
• Witness Signature: If required, a police officer or another authorised person will also sign and date the statement to affirm they have received it.

Who Must Give a Police Statement? 

You may be asked to make a statement to the police if:

• You are a witness to a crime: If you have witnessed a crime, you might be asked to give a statement detailing what you saw, heard, or know. This can assist in the investigation and prosecution of the crime.
• You are the victim of a crime: If you have been a victim, you will likely be asked to state what happened. This is important in helping the police understand the circumstances of the crime.
• You have been involved in a traffic incident: If you have been involved in a car accident or other traffic-related incident, you may need to state what happened.
• You have been charged with a crime: If you have been accused, you may choose to make a statement as part of your defence. However, you also have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You should always seek legal advice in this situation before making a statement.

What Happens When You Make a False Statement to the Police? 

Making a false statement to the police in Australia is a serious offence. The consequences vary by jurisdiction, but they can result in criminal charges.

Under the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), Section 24F, it’s an offence to provide false or misleading information or documents to a Commonwealth entity, like the Australian Federal Police.

This offence can result in a penalty of imprisonment for up to 12 months.

Penalty by State

• New South Wales: Under Section 307A of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) , it’s an offence to make a false representation resulting in a police investigation. Penalties can include imprisonment for up to 12 months, a fine, or both.
• Victoria: In Victoria, perjury is a serious offence under Section 314 of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic) and can attract a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.
• Queensland: According to Section 140 of the Criminal Code Act 1899 (Qld) , falsely stating something to mislead public justice is an offence. Penalties can include imprisonment for up to seven years.

Similar laws exist in other states and territories. Given the serious consequences, it’s essential always to provide truthful and accurate information when making a statement to the police. If you need clarification on something, consider seeking legal advice such as AVO lawyers .

At Justice Family Lawyers , we know how critical it is to get your statement right.

With our team of experienced professionals, we can guide you through the process, ensuring your information is as thorough and accurate as possible.

Leave everything to chance when it comes to legal matters. Contact us today for expert advice on ending a police statement and any other legal support you require.

Principal of Justice Family Lawyers, Hayder specialises in complex parenting and property family law matters. He is based in Sydney and holds a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Communications from UTS.

2 thoughts on “Guide to Writing and Concluding a Police Statement”

Vary educative am happy to pas across such pieces of information

It is so helpful with your firm

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