Officer In Court Flashcards
When should you contact your DA regarding a trial?
A week before Confirm dates and times Discuss areas of special concern Check status of physical evidence -who will bring it/how it will be handled
What are some steps in receiving a subpoena?
Review the case/reports
Check with fellow officers to confirm receipt of subpoena
Review/locate evidence
Make copies of tapes/photos to provide to the DA upon request
What are some things to be aware of on the day of the trail?
Attire Be on time Bring the report and all physical evidence Be honest Don't be afraid to ask questions
What is a fact in straight forward cases?
Some straightforward cases will involve minimal pretrial contact between the officer and DA
Most of these things also apply to pretrial motions
What should you do before and after you testify?
Wait outside door so bailiff can find you
Eat/be on time
Discus any special concerns with DA
Be aware of persons around u
Where should you look when answering questions?
Look at whoever is asking the question
But respond to judge or jury
Position body to face jury box but pivot slightly to answer questions
What are some situations if you lose credibility with the DA?
DA reviews case for filing
Advise on warrants
Call after hours to give advice
Unable or unwilling to call on u as a witness
What are some factors if you lose credibility with the court?
Warrant affidavits
Distrust in future statements
Unlikely to continue continuances
Perjury?
Makes a false sworn statement in regard to a material issue, knowing it to be false
When on stand, how should you have your report?
Neat, in a Manila folder
Carried in left hand as you approach the stand
Leave on witness table during testimony
Can an officer testify to something that is not in the report?
Yes, may testify to anything which you have independent recollection, even if not included in the report
What is the proper procedure for presenting physical evidence?
Retrieved from evidence storage
All paperwork attached (chain of custody)
Give evidence to prosecutor
Refer to items as “exhibit #X”
Follow procedures for safe and sucre handling of evidence
What are some miscellaneous proceedings when presenting your own case?
Traffic violation proceedings
Criminal violation Proceedings
What is the procedure to respond to a disturbance in the court room?
Get immediate help(radio, panic button, phone)
Protect members of the court- judge first
Follow judges instructions about disposition-arrest/remove from court
What are some post trial issues?
May end abruptly (disturbance, mistrial, postponement, rescheduled)
Arrange return of evidence
Post trail debrief with DA
