Disclosure Summary Template for Police Station Work

A clear disclosure summary helps you advise the client and record what you knew before interview. This template outlines sections criminal defence professionals commonly use in custody attendance notes. Workflow guidance only — not legal advice.

Disclaimer: This is a professional note-taking structure. It does not tell you what advice to give or whether disclosure is adequate for any case.

What is a disclosure summary?

In a police station attendance note, the disclosure summary records what the police disclosed about the allegation and evidence before interview — so a reader can see the basis on which advice was given.

Suggested sections

1. Allegation / offence — offence stated, summary of allegation, complainant role if disclosed.
2. Evidence disclosed — witness statements, exhibits, CCTV, forensic summaries, schedules — by substance, not only “disclosure given”.
3. Unused / withheld — note if police refer to unused material or limitations; record what you asked for and the response.
4. Gaps and clarifications — points unclear, missing timelines, identity issues, or further enquiries needed.
5. Interview plan — topics to put to the client; whether no comment, prepared statement or answers in interview is discussed (advice recorded separately).
6. Impact on advice — brief link between disclosure received and advice given (full advice in advice section).

Common omissions to avoid

• Recording only “full disclosure given” without substance.
• Failing to note what was not disclosed when relevant.
• Mixing disclosure narrative with interview notes.

Custody Note prompts structured disclosure recording alongside client instructions and advice. It does not record or transcribe interviews. Related: disclosure in police interview, disclosure notes article.