Criminal Investigation Case Preparation

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Questions and Answers

When should an officer start preparing for a trial?

After the suspect is arrested and charged

When the officer first receives the radio call (correct)

During the investigation process

On the trial date

What is the primary purpose of an investigation?

To prepare the case for trial

To ensure proper courtroom demeanor

To determine whether the individual committed the offenses as charged

To identify and apprehend the person(s) suspected of violating the laws of the state and the community (correct)

What is the main goal of a trial or hearing?

To determine the guilt of the accused (correct)

To ensure proper courtroom demeanor

To identify and apprehend the person(s) suspected of violating the laws of the state and the community

To prepare the case for trial

What should an officer anticipate during every call?

Eventual court testimony Signup and view all the answers

What is covered in the case and trial preparation section?

The preparation steps that should be taken prior to trial date Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the case and trial preparation section?

To prepare the case for trial Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended term to use when referring to the person on trial?

Defendant Signup and view all the answers

Why should you review the facts in the case before testifying?

To refresh your memory and provide accurate information Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you don't know the answer to a question while testifying?

Say 'I don't know' Signup and view all the answers

When should an officer begin preparing for a trial?

When receiving the radio call from the dispatcher Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake that can lead to failure as a witness?

Feeling superior to everyone in the courtroom Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a well-written police report?

To show no weaknesses in the case Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of touring the Jefferson County Courthouse and observing courtroom proceedings?

To learn about courtroom procedures and etiquette Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to protect the evidence at the scene of the crime?

To ensure it is properly marked and labeled Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to maintain a good appearance and posture while testifying?

To make a good impression on the judge and jury Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do if they are unable to remember a detail during the trial?

Say 'I do not recall' Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a defense attorney's cross-examination?

To protect the client's rights and make the state prove its case Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for an officer to maintain good eye contact during the trial?

To show confidence and professionalism Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do during the direct examination?

Be pleasant, but not over-friendly, and pause before answering Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for an officer to be on time for the trial?

To avoid being disciplined by the department Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of reviewing photographs of the defendant before the trial?

To refresh the officer's memory Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of an officer's courtroom demeanor?

Maintaining a professional and respectful attitude Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Case and Trial Preparation

Preparation for trial begins when an officer first receives the radio call that results in the arrest and subsequent court testimony.
Proper case preparation is synonymous with preparation for trial.
The primary purpose of an investigation is to identify and apprehend the person(s) suspected of violating the laws of the state and the community.

On-Scene Preparation

Conduct a good preliminary investigation.
Take a careful and complete set of original notes and save them.
Note spontaneous statements, dying declarations, and witnesses' statements carefully.
Protect the evidence and gather all of it correctly.

At the Police Station

Interview witnesses if necessary and complete and properly preserve your notes.
Properly mark and package evidence.
Write a good, clear, and concise report.

Prior to Trial

Refresh your memory from the police report and personal notes.
Check all evidence to ensure it is properly preserved, labeled, and identifiable.
Review photographs of the defendant to refresh your memory.
Confer with the prosecutor to review facts in the case and discuss questions that you must prepare to answer.

Courtroom Demeanor

Be on time, as tardiness may result in the case being dismissed.
Be neat and conservative in appearance.
Conduct yourself in a professional manner.
On the witness stand:
- Sit erect, comfortable, and without slouching.
- Direct your attention to the person asking the questions.
- Maintain good eye contact.
- Speak clearly, distinctly, and loudly enough.
- Tell the truth at all times.

Successful Witness

Review the facts in the case before testifying.
Confer with the prosecutor before trial.
Don't volunteer information or express opinions unless requested to do so by the court.
Be able to identify your physical evidence.
Always tell the truth, even if it is not pleasant.
If you don't know the answer, say "I don't know."
Respond to harsh or nasty cross-examination with firmness but be polite and courteous.

Main Causes for Failure as a Witness

Poor attitude (feeling superior to everyone or being out to get the defendant).
Poor preparation (throughout the entire investigation and courtroom process).
Poor appearance (conveying a poor image to the jury/judge).

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Description

Learn about the proper case preparation and courtroom demeanor in criminal investigations. This quiz covers the preparation steps to take before a trial and the keys to being a successful witness.