THE TRAINING
In Person and Virtual Classes
LAW ENFORCEMENT ON THE STAND addresses recurring issues faced by law enforcement witnesses. This two-part course combines interactive lectures with role play and proven teaching methods exposing officers to trial preparation, direct testimony, and cross-examination from criminal defense attorneys.
Participants can expect to learn how attitude, demeanor and presentation can affect their testimony. We focus on common issues in law enforcement testimony including defendant and witness statements, exhibits, impeachment, and credibility.
By the end of the training, law enforcement officers will have a deep understanding of how their testimony correlates with evidentiary arguments, opening statements, and closing arguments.
Every facet of the program is designed to assist law enforcement personnel to become effective and credible witnesses.
PART ONE
Innovative teaching techniques are used to educate law enforcement officers on all aspects of courtroom testimony:
- The critical connection between the reports officers write and the testimony they give will be examined. Officers will learn specific techniques to prepare to testify effectively to what is in their reports.
- Attitude and demeanor on the stand will be addressed. Officers will practice ways to look, act and sound more credible.
- Strategies to present direct testimony more effectively will be outlined and then presented by officers using short mock trial fact patterns.
- Recurring problems for officers on cross will be identified and officers will be taught how to deal with them using witness role playing.
- Methods of impeachment and the ways to avoid being impeached and losing credibility will be explained. Officers will then face impeachment in short question and answer drills.
- Officers will be given a simple explanation of the legal basis for the most common objections and taught to avoid objections or handle them if they are made.
- Exhibits and how they are admitted and effectively used will be demonstrated and practiced.
PART TWO
Role-playing is used in Part Two to increase officers' appreciation of the skills needed to answer questions in a courtroom setting. Officers will study a mock trial problem and then play the role of various witnesses on both direct and cross-examination. Using this problem, officers will have an opportunity to put the skills learned in Part One into actual practice.
Working in small break out groups officers will be given fact patterns and asked to come up with tactics and strategies to be effective and credible witnesses in a variety of different situations. Extensive feedback and constructive critique will be given. Time will be allotted to questions and answers.
