NCJ Number
69492
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS POLICE TRAINING FILM DISCUSSES HOW OFFICERS SHOULD ACT WHEN TESTIFYING EITHER AS THE INVESTIGATING OFFICER OR AS A WITNESS.
Abstract
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OFFICER TO BE IN COURT WHEN SUBPOENAED OR AFTER RECEIVING A DEPARTMENT NOTICE. THE OFFICER SHOULD WRITE THE DATE AND TIME DOWN BOTH AT HOME AND AT THE OFFICE. FAILURE TO APPEAR COULD RESULT IN A JUDICIAL OR DEPARTMENT REPRIMAND, DENIES THE DEFENDANT THE RIGHT TO A FAIR TRIAL, AND COULD BE CAUSE FOR DISMISSAL OF THE CASE. BEFORE APPEARING IN COURT, THE OFFICER SHOULD CHECK ALL REPORTS OF THE INVESTIGATION. OFFICERS SHOULD MEET WITH MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO MAKE SURE THEIR OFFICE IS AWARE OF ALL WITNESSES AND EVIDENCE. THE OFFICER SHOULD EITHER WEAR A UNIFORM OR CONSERVATIVE PLAIN CLOTHES WITH SHINED SHOES, AND SHOULD HAVE A GOOD POSTURE AND A CONFIDENT LOOK. WHEN TESTIFYING, THE OFFICER SHOULD SIT STRAIGHT, LOOK AT THE PERSON WHO IS ASKING QUESTIONS, THINK FOR A MOMENT BEFORE ANSWERING, AVOID POLICE JARGON, AVOID HEARSAY, GIVE BRIEF AND UNBIASED ANSWERS, HAVE A COURTEOUS ATTITUDE, AND BE AWARE OF THE TACTICS OF EACH LAWYER. FINALLY, THE OFFICER SHOULD NOT WAIT FOR THE VERDICT AFTER GIVING TESTIMONY. AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE IS INCLUDED.