Lawmann’s Police Diaries: Statements, Report and Investigations – Edition 2020 is an authoritative and practice-oriented guide that provides an in-depth understanding of the role, preparation, and legal significance of police diaries and investigation reports in criminal proceedings. Recognized as a critical tool in criminal investigations, police diaries serve as a foundational record of statements, evidence collection, and investigative steps, which can have significant implications during trial.

This book offers a comprehensive explanation of the recording of statements, including complainant statements, witness depositions, confessions, and confessions recorded under the Indian Evidence Act. It discusses the proper procedure for maintaining police diaries, the chronological recording of events, and the preparation of investigation reports that are admissible in courts. Emphasis is laid on the accuracy, completeness, and authenticity of records, ensuring that investigations withstand judicial scrutiny.

A major strength of this work is its integration of statutory provisions and judicial interpretations. Landmark judgments from the Supreme Court and various High Courts are discussed to highlight how police diaries and reports are treated as evidence, their limitations, and best practices for presenting them in court. The book also covers the role of investigating officers in compiling reports, procedural compliance under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and cross-references to new criminal law provisions where applicable.

The book provides practical guidance on:

• Chronological documentation of investigations in police diaries

• Recording and preserving witness statements

• Drafting investigation reports for submission to the court

• Judicial evaluation of police diaries and statements in criminal trials

• Common pitfalls and errors to avoid during investigations

Written in a clear, structured, and practitioner-friendly style, Lawmann’s Police Diaries is an essential resource for criminal lawyers, prosecutors, defence counsel, police officers, judicial officers, and law students. It also serves as a valuable reference for candidates preparing for judicial services or criminal law examinations, providing them with a thorough understanding of investigative procedures and evidentiary requirements under Indian law.

Overall, this edition equips readers with practical knowledge, procedural clarity, and strategic insights, making it a must-have guide for anyone involved in criminal investigations and trial practice.