When taking statements what should you never do?

• A. Edit or correct grammar or syntax
• B. Paraphrase statements
• C. Record without consent
• D. Add new details to fit the narrative

Answer: (A)

Preserve the speaker’s exact words. When taking statements, you never edit or correct grammar or syntax because that can change the meaning, alter the speaker’s intent, or introduce bias into the record. The purpose of a statement is to capture what was said as stated, not to impose your own wording or interpretation. If something is unclear, seek clarification from the witness or note it for follow-up questions, but do not rewrite the statement to sound better or more fluent. In practice, keep the transcription as verbatim as possible and address any ambiguities through questions, not edits.

(For context: other risky practices—paraphrasing, recording without consent, or adding new details to fit a narrative—also corrupt the integrity of the statement, which is why they are avoided, but the specific best answer to this item is not editing the grammar or syntax.)