NCJ Number
140655
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 40 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1992) Pages: 96-99
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Police officers can testify effectively in court by being self-confident witnesses and presenting testimony in a convincing way, despite their lack of formal training in how to testify.
Abstract
Being an effective and competent witness begins with the assignment of a case. It is essential to take good field notes, prepare accurate and well-written reports, and gather as many factual details as possible about a case. When testifying, they should remember that an audience remembers 7 percent of what they say, 38 percent of how they sound, and 55 percent of how they look. To develop self- confidence, they should become familiar with the courtroom before testifying, avoid discussing the case in public, interact with respect, avoid discussing their personal lives or controversial subjects, appear in court on time, dress appropriately, and avoid contact with defense counsel and any defense witnesses before the trial. They should also review the case in detail before the trial, advise the prosecutor of any conflicts with the trial data, and become familiar with photographs and documents being introduced in the case. To overcome their fear of speaking in public, they can use the techniques developed by Dale Carnegie. In court, they should stand or sit in an erect position, have their hands in a comfortable position, take deep breaths without moving their shoulders upward, relax, use gestures and voice carefully, use eye contact, and use their natural facial expression.