What is the recommended handling of witness statements in relation to the main report?

• A. Include only summaries, with no verbatim content attached.
• B. Attach and reference verbatim statements separately, with a summary in the body.
• C. Exclude all statements to save space.
• D. Paraphrase all statements and omit verbatim content.

Answer: (B)

Preserving exact witness wording while providing a concise summary in the main report ensures both accuracy and readability. The main narrative should present the essential facts, sequence of events, and key observations in a clear, integrated form. Attaching the verbatim statements preserves the original language, tone, and nuances— safeguarding against misquotation and giving investigators a precise, verifiable record. Referencing these attachments in the body lets readers access full statements without cluttering the main narrative, maintaining a focused and professional report. This practice also supports transparency and admissibility by keeping the original words intact and traceable. In contrast, relying only on summaries, omitting statements, or paraphrasing everything risks losing important nuance, altering meaning, or reducing credibility.