Tips for Smart Cops Series
Matters to be recorded in Police Notebook

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1. A statement made by a witness should be recorded in a Pol. 154. The officer who takes that statement is to record in his police notebook when, where and from whom the Pol 154 has been taken.

2. After exercising any police powers, e.g. searching a suspect or giving instruction for the use of a handcuff transport belt, an officer must record in his police notebook the details of such exercise of powers even if no offence has been disclosed as a result. Nevertheless, there is no absolute requirement to record every detail of the personal particulars of the person after the exercise of power. In most cases basic details that are sufficient to identify the person would be adequate.

3. After giving a verbal warning to a person, an officer shall record in his police notebook the particulars of the person, together with particulars of the offence for which the person has been warned.

(This column is contributed by the Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch)