What type of statement is described as a first-hand account given to a law enforcement officer?

A first-hand account given to a law enforcement officer is best described as a witness statement. This type of statement is derived from an individual who has directly experienced or observed an event, making it a primary source of evidence. Witness statements are crucial in the investigative process as they provide police with immediate, relevant information regarding a crime, helping to establish facts, timelines, and potential suspects.

While other options such as documented statements, recorded statements, and statements of confession bear relevance in investigative procedures, they do not match the description as accurately as a witness statement does. Documented statements may refer to written accounts compiled for various purposes, recorded statements imply audio or video capture of the statement, and statements of confession specifically refer to admissions of guilt by a suspect. Therefore, a witness statement uniquely identifies first-hand observations relevant to an investigation.