What term is used for the recorded account that witnesses provide to law enforcement?

The term used for the recorded account that witnesses provide to law enforcement is "statement." This term is specifically utilized to describe the formal narrative or version of events given by a witness, which is documented by law enforcement for investigation purposes. Statements can vary in detail and are crucial for gathering information related to incidents or crimes.

An affidavit, while also a recorded account, is a sworn statement made under oath and typically used in legal settings, not primarily as initial accounts given to law enforcement. Testimony generally refers to the evidence presented in a court setting, which is what takes place during a trial or hearing, rather than the recorded version by law enforcement. A declaration is similar to an affidavit but does not always require an oath and is less formal in legal contexts. Therefore, in the context of witness accounts reported to law enforcement, the term "statement" is the most appropriate choice.