Your complaint can be made orally or in writing. If in writing, it can be in the form of a letter, a statement or the OPI's complaint forms, which are available online. If made orally, the police officer or officer from the OPI will put the substance of your complaint into a written statement. You need to be especially careful of any complaint that is in writing, particularly if you swear that it is true and correct, because you could render yourself liable to the offence of perjury if you make significant mistakes or if you contradict yourself in other statements made earlier or later.

Make sure that what is in your statement includes as many details as possible and is absolutely correct. Do not tolerate any departure in a written statement from your oral account. If necessary, ask the officer from the OPI or from the police to alter your statement, even if this entails some inconvenience. It is very important for you to get your statement absolutely right.