NCJ Number
81444
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 51 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1982) Pages: 21-24
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the mock trial program used by the Houston Police Academy (Texas) to give police cadets experience in preparing for and testifying in court.
Abstract
Cadets are subjected to a simulated trial experience that requires them to undertake the kind of trial preparation and behavior on the stand that will parallel real case requirements. The mock trial program follows the crime scene program, which requires cadets to respond to and resolve several crime-in-progress calls, prepare all the paperwork generated by these calls, and then testify in any one of the cases some 2 to 3 weeks later. Veteran prosecutors and judges participate in the mock trial program. To aid the cadets in preparing for their trial appearance, the training staff critiques their offense reports at least a week before the trial starts. A copy of the critiqued report is given back to the cadet, while another copy is sent to the prosecutors participating in the mock trial program. Cadets are also expected to check with their partner from the crime scene program about the uniformity of their upcoming testimony and their offense report. The mock trial gives the cadets the experience of interacting with a district court trial judge, and the cadets also discover how a sharp defense attorney can expose inconsistencies and inaccuracies in their reports and testimony. The mock trial also teaches cadets how to deal with their own emotions, behavior, and thought processes while under the pressure of an adversarial trial.