NCJ Number
90946
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The film is especially designed for probation officers. Eric Archer, attorney at law, is the host during a probation revocation hearing. The program emphasizes the often underestimated role of the probation officer as a witness of the State, and the pitfalls that keep him from gaining his objective.
Abstract
The probation officer will see how an ill-prepared and slovenly officer fails to convince the court that his client's probation should be revoked. The officer's failings are pointed out, including organization, dress, lack of courtesy to both prosecutor and defense lawyer, using hearsay as part of the testimony, lack of confidence, and allowing himself to fall into the trap of the leading question. Probation officers spend more time in court than they would like, and this film demonstrates how probation officers' efforts can be frustrated by their performance in court and how to be a truly effective witness. (Author abstract modified)