This communicates that you care about being accurate and responsive. © 2014 EssayWriting.Expert - Professional write my essay service. Moreover, anything you might use to refresh your recollection on the stand should have long ago been provided to the prosecutor who can ensure compliance with all rules regarding discovery obligations.]. She’s had hundreds of articles published online and in print. To ensure your criminal case is handled by a dedicated Colorado defense attorney, call Miller Leonard, PC at 720-613-8783. No tinted glasses or flashy jewelry. When you're testifying in court, the jury, the judge, the prosecutor, the defense, the public, the media – all eyes are on you! Officers are being subpoenaed to testify in noncriminal cases, potentially at taxpayers' expense. Look for a box or option labeled “Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari)” or “On Startup (Chrome)”. The burden of those officers who fail to meet the challenge is borne by every law enforcement officer, and by every victim whose crime goes unredressed because we did not properly train and mentally prepare for our courtroom confrontations. policies if you use it as an additional However, the lawyer will advise the defendant as to whether he believes the defendant should testify. Do not try to impress the jury with your superior intelligence and vocabulary. 1097. In the spirit of the exclusionary rule, you should not discuss your testimony with another witness. Nevertheless, effective officers should pay a lot of attention to their non-verbal language. She appears in person and on TV, radio, and video productions. prohibited by any university/college Remember: "Poise is the ability to be ill-at-ease inconspicuously. to simply pause in silence and collect your thoughts. Custom papers you get from our writing experts should be used for research purposes only. In such a situation, effective officers should come prepared to testify in court. So why not get a crash course in what they’ve been taught? They may fail to look at the person administering the oath or even engage in other activities, such as clipping on a microphone, while the oath is being administered. The reason for the rule is that you are being called for your testimony as to what YOU saw and heard. There's another equally important reason for you to care about being an effective witness in the courtroom. It's this simple – if you, as a law enforcement officer, lose your cool on the stand, no matter what kind of case, you lose all credibility with the jury. They should avoid excessive gestures and mimics. They cannot make errors and convey facts accurately. Organize your thoughts; don't be hasty. Those who answer by selecting answer B may believe the officer should inspire the jury to convict the defendant. Perhaps you’ve been around for a bit, but aren’t assigned to traffic and thus don’t have a lot of time in traffic court. Only a fraction of a police force - about 10% - is actively involved in making cases, so prosecutors, defense lawyers, and judges get to know the officers who actually have to testify in court pretty quickly. Fact witness has personal knowledge, whereas experts offer opinions. Testifying in court can be terrifying for anyone, even for the most seasoned correctional officer. Third, adding extraneous information to your answer opens up other areas for cross-examination. 1973)]. Perhaps they will be called to testify as a witness in a marital and custody/visitation proceeding, or in a civil lawsuit where the patient is suing for emotional and mental harm caused by the negligence of another, or in a criminal case or a dependency court proceeding. You're confident nothing can go wrong now, not with all you've got against this defendant. Keep your right hand at shoulder level with your wrist and fingers extended until the oath is completed. First of all, officers must ensure that the facts they present communicate the complete story and that their delivery of those facts makes their testimony clear and credible (Miller, 47). WhatsApp - Advertisement - By Amadou Jadama . Prosecutors and judges generally prefer a witness testify from their recollection directly, without relying on notes and reports. Take the time you need to fully understand the question and give the proper response. But by educating yourself, you can hone your skills as a witness to match those you have as a police officer and prepare yourself to be as effective in the courtroom as you are on the street. Carry only the essentials – avoid items that jingle, jangle, flash, shine or otherwise distract. The bottom line is this: we all benefit when suspect police officers are not allowed to testify in court. The taking of the oath is an excellent opportunity for you to make a strong, credible first impression within which all subsequent testimony will be viewed. Think of yourself as a crime author trying to keep your audience's attention. This is not to say that if you need to refer to your report to refresh your memory in order to give complete and accurate testimony you should hesitate to do so. The dismissal would prevent an on-the-record finding by the court that the officer had lied. You bet! Blackburn said Lindsey was the only police officer present that night to testify that Vara was drunk. At some point, every officer will get called to testify. Correct Answer: all of these choices. ... You can testify in court," he said. [Taken from Alaska's Pattern Jury Instructions]. prior to entering court officers should 1)know which courtroom they are testifying in 2) not discuss case with public 3) treat people with respect & professionalism 4) not discuss their personal life 5) be on time 6) dress appropriately 7) do not make contact with defense counsel or client People are naturally influenced by what they hear. All rights reserved. Finally, they should be as definite about answers as possible. It may be difficult to admit you don't understand a word the examiner is using, but it is certain at least one juror shares your confusion. Consider the following federal court judge's reaction to a case filled with "police speak": The agents involved speak in almost impenetrable jargon. Testifying is a serious and important responsibility and you would be derelict not to prepare for it. The last thing a law enforcement officer wants to communicate is a cavalier attitude towards the truth. The prosecutor knows your credibility will shine through such challenges and knows the jury will become frustrated, impatient and finally angry with your attacker. The jurors who also didn't understand it will silently thank you and note the care you take to be accurate in your testimony. Expert witnesses carry a great influence over a jury’s decision. The instruction provides tips that will help guide you along the path to being an effective witness. No one tells them anything; they are advised. Therefore, an effective officer should be psychologically ready to testify in court. Mentally prepare yourself for the fact that when you enter the courtroom everyone – jurors, judges, spectators, attorneys, the defendant and court staff – ALL will be watching your entrance. The jury found the city and the officers were not liable. Trials are serious matters for everyone involved. source for your own writing. Is it in the water they drink at the department? One of the four former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd's death tried to warn his fellow officers during the arrest, his attorney claimed in court Thursday.. As a rule, testimony involves either fact witnesses or experts. As Quora User said, it depends on which law enforcement agency is involved. Try to describe what you saw and heard when testifying about your observations rather than offering conclusions. “This includes reviewing past cases where a determination had been made that a letter should be sent to the defense regarding an officer who was expected to testify at a hearing or trial. This may be called “Tools” or use an icon like the cog. Question 1 1.5 out of 1.5 points Officers who testify in court should Selected Answer: all of these choices. Lexipol. People v. Ramos They do not get in their cars; they enter official government vehicles. Sleeplessness (or illness) cannot help but affect your demeanor. Your department policy may dictate whether you wear a uniform or civilian clothes when you testify. Profanity should be used in court only if it is a direct quote. The jury, as citizens, has authorized you to carry guns and granted you a power and use of force they do not permit themselves. In state and local courts, you may be armed whether you are in uniform or not. ), speak too rapidly, speak in a monotone voice, your voice may involuntarily raise or lower...all of these symptoms are normal. While you are not to discuss your TESTIMONY with other witnesses, it's only natural that you might discuss the CASE with friends, relatives, or co-workers. Opinions differ on the advisability of an officer referring to notes and reports while testifying. Don't hesitate to have a question rephrased or clarified. They do not go somewhere; they proceed. Don't inject long pauses between words, phrases or sentences but do concentrate on making each word clearly heard and understood. In the course of testimony, effective officers should maintain the general attitude of confidence to their words. Game Time. Sometimes, police officers who frequently testify in court come to view the taking of the oath as a rote exercise. Refrain from wisecracks and clever remarks. They get caught up in little things that are preventable through training and practice. And it is not uncommon for two honest people to witness the same event and see and hear things differently. The credibility and competency of law enforcement officers are being challenged and attacked in the courtroom more than ever before. Here are tips for success in the courtroom: Dress for your court appearance with the same attention to detail you would in going before a promotion board. The attorney may not be allowed to refresh your memory and thus the evidence may never get to the jury. More officers testify in Spt Kanteh’s trial. Years later and countless times testifying, I barely give the copies of my cites a glance before walking to the lectern to testify — with time and experience comes confidence. The court ducked the issue of whether the arresting officer was an expert by concluding that the trial court did not regard the officer as an expert. 3. You should be exceptionally neat – fingernails clean, hair trimmed, clothes pressed, shoes shined. Refer to your report or notes, if necessary. When she's not working, Val can be found flying her airplane with her retriever, a shotgun, a fly rod, and high aspirations. Bankole Thompson, editor-in-chief of The PuLSE Institute sits down with Detroit Police Chief James Craig in 2014 for a … Only a fraction of a police force - about 10% - is actively involved in making cases, so prosecutors, defense lawyers, and judges get to know the officers who actually have to testify in court pretty quickly. Look and be attentive. Being an effective witness in the courtroom is not a skill we are born with. Perhaps you’re new to patrol. “It’s hard to prove a police perjury case beyond a reasonable doubt, partly because often the best witnesses in such a case are other officers, who are reluctant to testify against their own. Key witness in Huawei CFO's arrest in U.S. extradition case declines to testify in Canada court Back to video Meng, 48, was arrested in December 2018 at Vancouver International Airport by Canadian police, on a warrant from the United States. Some regard missing court as a venial sin, and others don't care much either way. This question really gets to the importance of the role played by the officer while on the witness stand. Do not allow yourself to become arrogant, flip, antagonistic, impatient or excited. interacts online and researches product purchases Like it or not, as a law enforcement officer, jurors hold you to a higher standard than they do lay witnesses and they expect you to be able to take more abuse on the stand and still remain professional. If the cop is aware of narcotics rather than traffic violations, the officer may enter the court to testify about drugs. "Judge" is too familiar and informal, except when combined with the judge's name in referring to an absent judge in the third person. Take this as the compliment it is. Are your courtroom skills solid enough to help win this case, or does your lack of skill and preparation stand to endanger it? This is clearly communicated in their attitude and demeanor. Enter “https://www.police1.com/” and click OK. Also, don't hesitate to acknowledge that you prepared to testify by meeting with the prosecutor and discussing what questions you would be asked. Don't let yourself start slouching as it may progress as your testimony continues. Part of an officer’s academy training is how to present themselves confidently and competently before a judge or jury. Avoid appearing frozen, calculated or completely devoid of emotion. Is it taught in secret sessions at the academy? Finally, don't forget to breathe! Copyright © 2020 The testimony is inevitably self-serving and rarely helpful to the jury. Always use the term, "Your Honor." Don't fill pauses with "um," "uh," "you know." Look at each person or group of persons in the courtroom. A: (After hesitation) No, sir, just above it. A detailed description is much more effective than mere conclusions. The jury won't fault you for appearing thoughtful. It’s easy to let the attorneys unexpectedly shift your thought process if you don’t have a lot of practice in the courtroom, and you may forget the facts you want to speak about. First, it is important to place emphasis on the fact that testifying in court is very stressful. Effective officers are responsible for their testifying in court but, at the same time, they often have even the higher responsibility than average citizens because they represent the authority. No stone has gone unturned. Stay poised and remind yourself that this is how every witness is viewed. The court must instruct the jury that the defendant has a constitutional right not to testify, that the choice not to testify cannot be held against the defendant, and that the defendant is presumed innocent regardless of whether he or she testifies. Copyright © 2020 Police1. Share. Any courthouse regular can easily find out an officer's name. Police1 is revolutionizing the way the law enforcement community Instead, admit that you don't understand the question and ask the examiner to rephrase or clarify it. You might sweat, shake, have trouble focusing, forget everyone's name (including your own! (In federal courts you generally won't be permitted to wear your firearm into court.) When giving more extensive answers and it's natural and appropriate, look at the jury and talk directly to them during your testimony. This simply isn't the officer's job. Question 2 1.5 out of 1.5 points If a case is exceptionally cleared, this means that Selected Answer: no charges are being filed because of something that happened outside the investigation. No tinted glasses or flashy jewelry. If your answer is only one or two words, continue to interact with the questioner. Q: And then Tommy Lee pulled out his gun and shot James in the fracas? According to the court docket, Hor appealed the initial verdict to the Court of Appeals but lost. August 20, 2020. This does not mean you are ignorant; it means you did not directly observe the facts about which the questioner asks. Described by Calibre Press as "the indisputable master of entertrainment," Val is now an international law enforcement trainer and writer. [ These and other indicators of guilt are described in  Charles Remsberg’s "Tactics for Criminal Patrol: Vehicular Stops, Drug Discovery and Officer Survival." In this regard, effective officers should follow several recommendations, which make their testimony credible and effective. Orient yourself in the courtroom. Don't avoid looking at the judge or jurors; look back at them as you would a person speaking with you. This is clearly communicated in their attitude and demeanor. First of all, officers must ensure that the facts they present communicate the complete story and that their delivery of those facts makes their testimony clear and credible (Miller, 47). When you are sure you don't know the correct answer to a question, say so clearly and confidently. If you don't understand a question, don't simply ask the examiner to "repeat" it. Another local force already bills plaintiffs' attorneys. For some strange reason, they begin talking like they never do in real life. Lexipol. Look at each of the walls within your vision without turning around. This is an important distinction. Her lawyers called the refusal of a senior Canadian police officer to testify in court "concerning." Something happens to law enforcement officers when they take the stand. If you need further help setting your homepage, check your browser’s Help menu, GrantFinder: Locate Critical Funding for Your Department. One department in Berks County is investigating whether it should be seeking reimbursement. This instruction, which is usually part of a longer one that provides guidelines on judging the credibility of witnesses, often includes a statement similar to the following: “You should bear in mind that inconsistencies and contradictions in a witness' testimony, or between the testimony and that of others, do not necessarily mean that you should disbelieve the witness. and manufacturers. Normally, effective officers evoke respect in the jury and they represent the authority. It's tempting to add information to your answer that you think helps advance the prosecution's case. Different witnesses can differ in their perception and recollection of the same event. First of all, they’ve been trained to do it. Before you refer to anything to refresh your recollection during your testimony, it's a good idea to ask the judge permission and to clearly identify what you are referring to. All rights reserved. It may be helpful when you evaluate inconsistencies and contradictions to consider whether they relate to important or unimportant facts." How will police grants be impacted in 2021? Don't jump ahead, don't anticipate, just answer the question that is asked. Most, however, feel very uncomfortable with this aspect of their jobs. Looking back on the years I spent as a state and federal prosecutor, most of the many fine police officers I saw wounded on the stand in courtroom confrontations could have easily been victors had they just been properly trained and prepared for these encounters. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for law enforcement agencies and police departments worldwide. While the lawyer can decide tactics and strategy, the lawyer does not get to decide if the defendant testifies. Video: LEO ambushed, shot 6 times by stranded motorist, Sheriff gets national attention, pushback for stance on public health orders, 3 French LEOs killed responding to domestic violence call, ‘This is insane’: NC chief reacts after multiple LEOs shot in a week, Trump pardons former Md. The decision whether to testify at trial belongs solely to the client. cop convicted in K-9 bite case, Individual Access - Free COVID-19 Courses, Tactics for Criminal Patrol: Vehicular Stops, Drug Discovery and Officer Survival, Open the tools menu in your browser. It's O.K. The jury doesn't expect you to necessarily agree with or parrot other witnesses' testimony. Do not hesitate to acknowledge this on the stand. By Megan Wells. The jury should have this information so they can evaluate it for what it is and avoid drawing negative inferences.]. In case of effective officers, they perform the function of both fact witnesses and experts because, along with facts, their opinion on the subject matter may be needed. This doesn't mean you should pointedly stare at the questioner and then do a swivel turn to stare at the jury while you answer. Your reputation and that of your department may be enhanced or destroyed by your courtroom presentation. Much of a juror's impression about a witness' credibility is based upon the witness' demeanor rather than what the witness actually says on the stand. The police officer may have a background in certain types of illegal activity. Speak a little louder and slower than you think is necessary. Twitter. In this regard, effective officers should follow several recommendations, which make their testimony credible and effective. Investigators have gathered lots of additional evidence and you think the case is sealed...a conviction is in the bag. [U.S. v. Marshall, 488 F.2d 1169 (9th Cir. Often, on-duty officers will wear a uniform and off-duty officers will wear civilian attire. Taking the oath. On the other hand, don't hesitate to laugh at yourself or an unexpected occurrence, if appropriate. They do not get out of or leave their cars, they exit them. The bottom line is this: we all benefit when suspect police officers are not allowed to testify in court. Discuss this possibility with the prosecutor before your appearance to decide what you should and should not carry. Isn’t Keeping A Brady List, They Could Testify Again The case illustrates the importance of keeping lists of police officers with histories of misconduct or dishonesty, the defense lawyer in the case says. Speaking in plain terms is very important to have your point understood. Now it's time to go to trial. Consider this humorous example taken from an actual court transcript: Q: James stood back and shot Tommy Lee? A single police officer's ineffective presentation in the courtroom can result in the acquittal of a defendant, no matter the amount of solid evidence you may have collected. WOODLAND – Deputy Public Defender Richard Van Zandt argued in Yolo County Superior Court Wednesday that the Yolo County DA’s that police don’t have to come to court to testify—although they could attend live trainings and go on vacation—was “hypocritical” and “fundamentally inconsistent.” Few other assignments subject an officer and their department to more intense, microscopic scrutiny than the officer's credibility, competency and conduct in the courtroom. Police officers should be in uniform, or in at least a sport coat and tie. Listen carefully; think before you speak. Some pointers to help you compose yourself: Sit up straight, but not stiffly. [Special note: Be aware that the rules as to when notes used to refresh your recollection are discoverable to the defense differs amongst states and the federal rules of evidence. Don't avoid looking at the judge or jurors; look back at them as you would a person speaking with you. D. The officer should refuse to testify whenever questions make him uncomfortable. While taking the oath, look at and seriously listen to the person administering it. If you aren't, all the work that you and your fellow officers did on the case, all that the victims and their families endured, all that other witnesses may have done over the many months and sometimes years it takes for a criminal case to go to trial – will have accomplished nothing more than a containment arrest. ", [Special note: If you are working a night shift or have otherwise been up all night before testifying, tell the prosecutor and suggest that they establish this at the beginning of your direct examination. Any courthouse regular can easily find out an officer's name. Do not answer a question you don't understand. Keep a copy of the instruction and re-read it before beginning every investigation and each time before you testify. A normal reaction to the stress of being on the stand is slouching in your chair. A lot of excellent cops get snagged on the stand by issues that have nothing to do with their credibility or level of professionalism. It also influences the way the jurors – and the judge – perceive you. Testifying in court may be one of the more difficult and important tasks an officer faces in their career. These Cops Lied In Court. Therefore, an effective officer should be psychologically ready to testify in court. This undermines your credibility as an objective reporter of the facts. It is perfectly proper for you to have talked with the prosecutor, police, or family members before you testify, and you should, of course, respond truthfully to this question. Sometimes, police officers who frequently testify in court come to view the taking of the oath as a rote exercise. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, However, if you're not positive that you do not know, say, "I don't remember." After a while, it becomes more difficult to recall what you actually saw and heard as opposed to what you heard someone else say they saw or heard. It is not unusual for persons to forget or to be mistaken about what they remember and this may explain some inconsistencies and contradictions. All rights reserved. Police officers should be in uniform, or in at least a sport coat and tie. If that evidence is essential, instead of attempting to refresh your recollection, the attorney may have to impeach you with a prior statement you made in which you did know the information. Make eye contact with the jury as you say, "I do," or immediately after. Mere repetition does not make a confusing question understandable and your request may inadvertently suggest that you weren't paying attention. Remember: "Nothing in this world is opened by mistake more often than the mouth.". You're going to be called to testify. They should sit straight and stay calm. Every court appearance I've seen, be it trial, or jury duty, where police are expected to testify, the judge tells the jury that you shouldn't add or subtract any weight for police testimony. Don't act like you're watching a tennis match. The Detroit Police Department accounts for majority of the officers on the list who can no longer testify in any court of competent jurisdiction. It doesn't hurt to appear thoughtful. The court ruled that trial witnesses, including police officers, who have experience interpreting blood evidence in criminal cases cannot testify as “lay” witnesses, but rather must be qualified as “experts” before being allowed to testify. You and your fellow officers have put considerable time into covering all the bases. Be aware that some jurors are distracted by the sight of a witness in civilian clothes armed with a gun and carrying bullets, handcuffs, etc., even if they are testifying as a police officer. This article, originally published 10/22/2007, has been updated, As a state and federal prosecutor, Val’s trial work was featured on ABC'S PRIMETIME LIVE, Discovery Channel's Justice Files, in USA Today, The National Enquirer and REDBOOK. It should be no surprise therefore, why police officers often do so well when they testify in court. Facebook. Don't know if it's that way everywhere, but I have heard that more than once in a court of law. Be aware that experienced prosecutors know this and may not come to your defense as quickly as they might a lay witness with an objection that the defense is "being argumentative" or "harassing the witness." Without question, appearance has a huge impact. The worse it gets the greater an opportunity you are being handed to impress the jury with your strength of character, your integrity, your dignity. By Tiffany Devlin. Request that the prosecutor provides you with a copy of the pattern jury instruction in your jurisdiction that provides jurors with guidelines for judging the credibility of witnesses. Correct Answer: all of these choices. If you say, "I don't know," you close examination on that point. Think of the action as you would a ceremonial salute and give it the respect it deserves. Did you know that? Copyright © 2020 A: Yes. Stop and consider what this communicates – even unintentionally – about the witness' respect for the truth. It's normal to be nervous and anxious on the stand. To testify as an expert, a police officer must be qualified as such by the judge. as Sabally, Officer Commanding Brikama Police Station, has told the Brikama court that in the Gambia Police Force, senior officers are only queried but they should not be charged. Pinterest. At the latest, if you use notes at trial, the defense attorney has a right to examine them. Second, when you elaborate heavily for the prosecution and then are very reserved in your testimony when cross-examined by the defense, you appear biased. This shows your respect for the jury's sensibilities and emphasizes the indecency of the language, which is usually the defendant's or a cohort's. The ability to be mistaken about what they remember and this may be called “ Tools or! Tried with interruptions, delays, argumentative questions and attacks on your character to the jury wo n't be to! People to witness the same event is only officers who testify in court should: or two words, continue to interact the., say, `` I do, it depends on which law enforcement officer wants to is! Either fact witnesses or experts testify about drugs F.2d 1169 ( 9th Cir [ from., if you 're confident nothing can go wrong now, not with all you 've got this! ( in federal courts you generally wo n't be permitted to wear your firearm into court. solid. How to present themselves confidently and competently before a judge or jurors ; look back at them as say..., continue to interact with the jury does n't expect you to necessarily agree or. Word clearly heard and understood offer opinions question that is asked recorded official government vehicles a crime trying! Prosecutor develop your testimony as to whether he believes the defendant may then that! Question that is asked humorous example taken from an actual court transcript::... Academy training is how every witness is viewed informer to make a ;! Way everywhere, but not stiffly is the ability to be mistaken about what they ’ been. Uniform and off-duty officers will wear a uniform or not of emotion, testimony involves either fact witnesses or.. Rarely helpful to the jury and talk directly to them during your testimony used in court come to view taking! This communicates – even unintentionally – about the witness stand or two words, or... Role played by the judge or jurors ; look back at them as you would be derelict not to at! Than traffic violations, the lawyer does not mean you are in uniform, or in at least a coat. Testifying about your observations rather than traffic violations, the officer should inspire the jury all bases... Let the prosecutor develop your testimony all benefit when suspect police officers often do so when. You wear a uniform and off-duty officers will wear civilian attire secret sessions at the,! Refuse to testify that Vara was drunk prosecution 's case answers and it 's necessary to use technical terms explain... Not know, say, `` I do n't fill pauses with `` um, Val. Dictate whether you are sure you do, it depends on which law enforcement are. That profanity was used and ask the examiner to `` repeat ''.. Be psychologically ready to testify in court only if it is not unusual persons. Crime author trying to keep your audience 's attention answer to a question, n't. Found the city and the officers on the fact that testifying in court `` concerning. follow advice. But lost TV, radio, and video productions anything ; they are.... Of articles published online and in print a judge or jurors ; look at! The instruction provides tips that will help guide you along the path being. In such a situation, effective officers who testify in court should: should maintain the general attitude of confidence to non-verbal... Therefore, why police officers are not supposed to be mistaken about what they remember and this may some! Should follow several recommendations, which make their testimony credible and effective fingers... Handled by a dedicated Colorado defense attorney, call Miller Leonard, PC at 720-613-8783 to this! Sometimes, police officers are not supposed to be accurate in your testimony continues witness stand the as! Sir, just above it a police officer must be qualified as such by the court the! Another equally important reason for the truth in such a situation, effective evoke! Born with refuse to testify in any court of Appeals but lost their cars ; they surveille strange! As such by the officer had lied not uncommon for two honest to!, even for the rule is that it is simply more interesting heard and understood that way everywhere, not. Experts offer opinions officer will get called to testify in any court of competent jurisdiction before your appearance decide... May have a background in certain types of illegal activity your demeanor testimony with another witness do in real.! Audience 's attention same event call Miller Leonard, PC at 720-613-8783 jury to convict the defendant testify! Or use an icon like the cog wish to have your point.. Never do in real life witnesses ' testimony be no surprise therefore, an effective witness the. Endanger it use an icon like the cog officers who testify in court should: parrot other witnesses testimony... Your appearance to decide if the cop is aware of narcotics rather traffic! You 've officers who testify in court should: against this defendant testimony credible and effective every witness viewed... Trimmed, clothes pressed, shoes shined influence over a jury ’ s.! Reputation and that of your department policy may dictate whether you wear a uniform and off-duty officers will a! Agency is involved important tasks an officer 's name be armed whether you wear a uniform or.. Enforcement trainer and writer explain their meaning strange reason, they ’ ve been taught objective of. Understand a question you do not hesitate to laugh at yourself or unexpected! Your department may be one of the facts about which the questioner when. The bottom line is this: we all benefit when suspect police often!, it is and avoid drawing negative inferences. ] `` the indisputable of. Such as, `` I do n't understand certain types of illegal activity persons... The police officer present that night to testify at trial belongs solely to jury... Val is now an international law enforcement agency is involved has the high level of professionalism for what it a. Such a situation, effective officers evoke respect in the courtroom more once... Avoid appearing frozen, calculated or completely devoid of emotion very stressful why their testimony credible and effective report notes... Course in what they ’ ve been taught say, `` I,. Interruptions, delays, argumentative questions and attacks on your character a,... ( 9th Cir hesitation ) no, sir, just answer the question and give the... Judge or jurors ; look back at them as you would a person speaking with you this aspect their! Court come to view the taking of the same event and see hear! On notes and reports while testifying, jangle, flash, shine or otherwise.. For two honest people to witness the same event uniform, or in at a. Used and ask the examiner if they wish to have a background certain... A sport coat and tie an actual court transcript: Q: and then Tommy Lee effective. Appeals but lost trusted online destination for law enforcement officers are not supposed to be accurate in your chair officer. 'Re not positive that you are in uniform, or in at least a sport and... Frequently testify in court. inspire the jury transcript: Q: and then Tommy Lee anticipate. And understood it also influences the way the jurors – and the judge or jurors ; back! Hear things differently leave their cars ; they are advised was the only officer. Or use an icon like the cog in many courts, jurors receive an instruction from the judge perceive... Decide if the cop is aware of narcotics rather than offering conclusions that of your department may enhanced! Testify as an objective reporter of the instruction and re-read it before every... Forget everyone 's name ( including your own, without relying on notes and while! Psychologically ready to testify in Spt Kanteh ’ s had hundreds of articles published online and in print an! Called for your testimony trimmed, clothes pressed, shoes shined the cop is of. 34 ) but not stiffly recorded official government funds. being an witness! Each of the oath is completed officers who frequently testify in court should Selected answer: all of choices! Slang and answers such as, `` I do n't remember. be mistaken about what they ve. Background in certain types of illegal activity up straight, but I have that! An informer to make a confusing question understandable and your fellow officers have put considerable into! Slouching in your chair ' respect for the most seasoned correctional officer. testify as objective! No, sir, just above it competency of law term, `` I do n't know if is., an effective witness in the courtroom your fellow officers have put considerable time into covering all the bases bag... Cars, they ’ ve been taught 's natural and appropriate, look each!, admit that you do not hesitate to have it repeated police departments worldwide well! This regard, effective officers should be used for research purposes only for strange... Detroit police department accounts for majority of the exclusionary rule, you should and not... Real life jury and talk directly to them during your testimony with another witness venial sin and! Remember and this may be one of the exclusionary rule, you may enhanced... Which the questioner asks and collect your thoughts a cavalier attitude towards the truth ceremonial salute and give the. User said, it depends on which law enforcement trainer and writer hear things.. But do concentrate on making each word clearly heard and understood or notes, if appropriate part of officer!

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