NCJ Number
61385
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
DESIGNED AS AN AID FOR POLICE OFFICER TRAINING, THIS AUDIOCASSETTE AND SLIDE PRESENTATION ILLUSTRATES THE MOST EFFECTIVE PROCEDURES FOR PREPARING AND PRESENTING COURT TESTIMONY.
Abstract
THE PREPARATION, APPEARANCE, AND ATTITUDE OF POLICE OFFICERS COMBINE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH THEIR EVIDENCE WILL INFLUENCE THE TRIAL OUTCOME. PREPARATION INCLUDES REVIEWING ALL NOTES, REPORTS, AND OTHER VITAL DATA, SUMMARIZING ALL KEY FACTS, AND CHECKING FOR ANY INCONSISTENCIES OR CONTRADICTIONS. THE OFFICER'S PHYSICAL APPEARANCE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE POOR POSTURE OR AN UNUSUALLY TENSE POSITION CAN NEGATIVELY INFLUENCE THE JURORS. THE OFFICER'S ATTITUDE ALSO IS SIGNIFICANT. THE OFFICER MUST NOT OVERREACT EVEN TO DEFENSE ATTORNEYS' TACTICS DESIGNED TO PROVOKE AN EMOTIONAL OUTBURST OR OTHER IMPROPER ACTION. THIS BEHAVIOR WILL DISCREDIT THE TESTIMONY. COURTESY, BOTH TO THE PRESIDING JUDGE AND THE ATTORNEYS, IS ESSENTIAL. THE KIT INCLUDES AN INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE, STUDY NOTES, QUIZ QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, SLIDES, AND AUDIOCASSETTE. (PRG)