Courtroom Conduct Guide

Professional Courtroom Appearance

• Dress professionally: Dress as you would for a significant job interview, meticulously neat with pressed clothes, shined shoes, and clean fingernails. Trimmed hair is also essential.
• Minimize distractions: Carry only necessary items. Avoid anything that clatters, shines, or flashes, to prevent distracting jurors.
• Uniform vs. civilian attire: Follow departmental rules concerning uniform versus civilian attire. Officers may be armed regardless of clothing choice in some jurisdictions—excluding federal courts. Consider the potential distraction of armed, civilian-dressed officers, and discuss carrying items with the prosecutor beforehand.

Maintaining Professional Attitude on the Stand

• Control your emotions: Avoid anger or sarcasm, even when facing difficult questions or tactics from defense attorneys. Recognizing that some attorneys use anger-baiting tactics is crucial.
• Resist the urge to react: Stay composed and avoid reacting emotionally to provocative questions; this gives the defense an advantage. Think clearly and avoid emotional responses.
• Answer honestly, not aggressively: If you don't know the answer, say so clearly; phrases like "I don't know," or "I can't remember" are perfectly acceptable. Resist the misconception that officers must know every answer.
• Manage interruptions and attacks: Remain calm and respectful throughout the entire testimony. Maintain your composure amidst interruptions, delays, argumentative questioning, and character attacks. Do not get flustered, arrogant or aggressive.
• Recognize the heightened expectation: Jurors hold law enforcement officers to a higher standard than other witnesses. Expect more challenging questions, and recognize that the prosecutor might not immediately object to defense attempts at aggressive questioning.

Effective Testimony Strategies

• Maintain calmness and respect: Remaining calm and respectful is vital for credibility. Losing control damages your credibility with the jury.
• Speak clearly and concisely: Speak clearly, slowly, and concisely. Maintain a calm and confident tone. Ensure your speech projects competence, clarity and sincerity.
• Active listening: Listen carefully to each question before responding.
• Seek clarification: If you don't understand a question, ask the attorney to rephrase it.
• Professional demeanor: Maintain dignity, decorum, and openness throughout the testimony; be friendly and professional at all times.