NCJ Number
123586
Date Published
1990
Length
89 pages
Annotation
A police officer uses his experience in testifying in court to provide practical guidelines for police officers regarding how to testify effectively and how to adhere to their promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Abstract
The text explains the dynamics of court proceedings, the tricks and tactics used by defense attorneys against police officers in court, and new techniques for responding to these tactics. It explains how to avoid giving "yes" or "no" answers if they do not provide the whole truth, how to recognize when an attorney is trying to destroy the police officer's credibility, and how to testify on their own terms rather than that of the defense attorney. The use of interruptions and humor and the role of tape recordings and transcripts are also described. Excerpts from actual testimony and a list of 10 basic suggestions for effective testimony.