The Backup Training Corporation

Effective Courtroom Testimony (8-hour course) Instructed by Thomas Page

Sweaty palms, nervous stomach, anxiety ...... "Officer! Please take the witness stand!"

This course will provide officers with a comprehensive view of the components of criminal trials and will focus on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that contribute to an officer's credibility as a witness.

This course will discuss the types of questions asked of witnesses, strategies and tactics of the prosecution and the defense, and recommend effective methods for improving officers' skills on the witness stand. Also discussed in this presentation is the development of officers' resumes and their usefulness in court.

I. Preparation for Courtroom Testimony

A. Before the Subpoena

After the Subpoena

II. The Trial: Before Taking the Stand

Jury Selection
Opening Statements

II. The Trial: Prosecution's Case In Chief

Burden of Proof Lies with Prosecutor
Prosecutor's Direct Examination

IV: Appearing in Court

Exclusion from the Courtroom
Before Taking the Stand
Outside the Courtroom: The Waiting Begins
"The People Call..."

V. Attributes of an Effective Witness

The Demeanor Factors
Eye Contact

VI. Courtroom as Classroom: Understanding Your Role

The Questioning Begins

Questions, Questions, Questions

Cross Examination
Re-direct and Re-cross
Rule of "Decency"
Defense's Case in Chief
Closing Arguments
Jury Deliberations

VII. Defense Attacks

Officer's Recollection
Report Missing Information
Inconsistencies and Errors in Report
Inconsistencies Between Officers
Weight of Testimony

Testimonials - Add Your Comments

"Honestly, The Backup has provided me with the best training value I've ever encountered as a police administrator. There is nowhere else that I'm aware of where an officer can receive the diversity of training (all with POST Academy Level accreditation in Missouri) at the minimal financial outlay as at The Backup. With the ever-increasing strain on our training dollar, this value should not be ignored. I sincerely thank you."

Thomas A. McClain, Chief of Police
Willard PD
Willard, MO

I was extremely satisfied with the content of the course. The materiel was well presented and the speaker seemed to be very knowledgeable about the topic.

Mark Mullen
Wyoming PD
Chisago, MN

This is a great course I wouldn’t change it. The course has an abundance of wealth and need-to-know knowledge and I am glad it’s out there!"

Kevin Zimmer
NIMA
Arnold, MO

"I liked the information presented in this CD. I found it useful and I could relate to some of my own courtroom experiences."

John Jackson
Spanish Fork Police Department
Spanish Fork, UT

"To be perfectly honest I was not excited about this course going into it however the information contained within and the way it was presented was awesome. As the course advanced I became more and more excited about the information and knowledge I was gaining and can't wait until the next time I testify in the courtroom."

Donald Diviney
Collin County Law Enforcement Academy
Plano, TX
Effective Courtroom Testimony

"I like the general information on how an officer should respond to different forms of questioning. This course has not only improved the way I approach the witness stand but has also given me some insight as to why some of the witnesses are better received than others, by the court."

Deputy Carole Rogers Davis
Orleans Parish Sheriff's Department
New Orleans, LA
Effective Courtroom Testimony

"I liked the officer interaction questions which required a text answer. I feel more thought is needed in answering such questions. I also liked the use of the movie video clip as a visual aid... The information was presented well. My overall opinion is that I found the course very beneficial. I had the same instruction in the police academy, but your course went much further in depth and that is what I am looking for- advanced training on common skills."

Police Officer Anthoney Gerweck
Bull Head City P.D.
Bull Head, AZ
Effective Courtroom Testimony

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