A Law Enforcement Officer's Guide to Testifying in Court

After an arrest, the major concern of most law enforcement officers is how to obtain the right result while making the courtroom experience less traumatic. A Law Enforcement Officer's Guide to Testifying in Court will take the fear and mystery out of courtroom proceedings. Officers will learn how to become excellent witnesses, what to anticipate during cross-examination, tricks used by lawyers at trial, and much more. With 24 years of experience as a trial court judge and prosecutor, James M. Vukelic offers practical advice on testifying effectively in court. This book represents knowledge gained from discussions with thousands of jurors and scores of attorneys, observations from the bench, and research. It is peppered with examples, many of them excerpted from actual trials. Using an informal style, the author shows officers how to shine on cross-examination, use rules of court to their advantage, and improve their communication skills. A Law Enforcement Officer's Guide to Testifying in Court also illustrates how to handle depositions and describes trial procedures from an insider's view. The author explains how officers can best prepare for their day in court and how they can ethically assist the prosecutor in making a stronger case. This book will take the reader through every step of the judicial process, from writing an arrest report through trial. Whether the reader has never been to court or testified dozens of times, A Law Enforcement Officer's Guide to Testifying in Court will improve the ability to communicate with and persuade a judge and jury. Ultimately, this book will help the judicial system operate more fairly.