The justice system involves a lengthy process starting with a police investigation and concluding with a conviction or acquittal of a suspect. After an investigation, police can make an arrest after obtaining the evidence they need, and prosecutors can decide how to proceed with a case. If a prosecutor decides to take a case to trial, then the officers involved in the case can be subpoenaed to testify. Having the skills required to testify in court can be just as important as all other skills an officer has obtained while being in the force. Courtroom skills can assist prosecutors in winning a case, while lack of it can cause a prosecutor to lose the case and help a criminal avoid legal punishment. Three key courtroom skills are dress attire, behavior, and communication.
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The first thing people will judge is appearance and how an officer is dressed can display their professional demeanor and provide a successful first impression. “Dress for your court appearance with the same attention to detail you would in going before a promotion board” (VanBrocklin, 2007). Proper attire in court for an officer could mean wearing their work uniform or proper civilian clothes. The clothes themselves should not have any wrinkles and have a clean, professional appearance. Shoes should match, be modest, and clean. After preparing the attire, an officer should be mindful of their behavior in court. Professionalism is key, which includes being unbiased, showing respect to all individuals, and remaining tranquil. Preparing attire and practicing behavior are the first steps in ensuring a successful testimony in court, but communication is another aspect that should be emphasized by police
The first thing people will judge is appearance and how an officer is dressed can display their professional demeanor and provide a successful first impression. “Dress for your court appearance with the same attention to detail you would in going before a promotion board” (VanBrocklin, 2007). Proper attire in court for an officer could mean wearing their work uniform or proper civilian clothes. The clothes themselves should not have any wrinkles and have a clean, professional appearance. Shoes should match, be modest, and clean. After preparing the attire, an officer should be mindful of their behavior in court. Professionalism is key, which includes being unbiased, showing respect to all individuals, and remaining tranquil. Preparing attire and practicing behavior are the first steps in ensuring a successful testimony in court, but communication is another aspect that should be emphasized by police