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Courtroom Testimony for Police Officers
February 17, 2022 @ 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
This 1 day, dynamic, interactive training will prepare police officers to not only survive, but thrive in the courtroom, even from a barrage of cross exam questions from the toughest of defense attorneys. Participants in this class will learn all the tricks of the defense attorney trade, how to overcome them, and become the most effective, persuasive, and important player in the courtroom.
Reviews of this class have been overwhelmingly positive. It is an exceptionally positive experience, taught by an instructor with 30 years of courtroom experience. It is fun, practical, and exceedingly helpful. Learn all the things you were never taught in the police academy about winning convictions and making them stick! You will participate in mock trials, watch videos of other officer’s testimony, and learn how to do it right! If you’ve ever had a bad courtroom experience, are new, or simply need to gain some confidence, take this course!
This is a full 1 day course, consisting of 3 parts. The first part consists of a mock trial, where participants review police reports and actually testify in both direct and cross exam. Attendees will alternate between playing the roles of witness, juror, and audience. Everyone will participate throughout the morning, and opportunities for frequent feedback will be given. Cross exam will be challenging and demonstrate the most common defense techniques utilized to “trap” police officers and make them look bad. Experience has shown that this part of the course, utilizing audience participation and feedback, is most appreciated and fun. The second part consists of a lecture identifying all important aspects of effective police officer testimony, identifying both the key factors to focus on, as well as what to avoid. Topics include:
*Better Report writing *Preparation
*Courtroom demeanor, body language and other intangibles *Anticipating the cross exam
*Avoiding common defense traps *Persuasion techniques
*Common problems and areas for police officer testimony *Projecting confidence
*Examples from real trials and real police reports
Part three is a compilation of videos from actual trials. Attendees can see the techniques discussed throughout the day exhibited in real, live trial testimony from other police officers. The videos demonstrate and reinforce the principles that have been discussed throughout the day in an authentic setting, and bring it all home.
Instructor: Stuart L. Fenton, Career Prosecuting Attorney and Consultant
Date/Time: Thursday, February 17, 2022, 8:30am-4:30pm
Location: Grand Blanc Township Police Department, 5405 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Cost: LEORTC Licensed Personnel – Prepaid All others $105 per person
“This training has been registered with MCOLES for the use of PA 302 Law Enforcement Distribution funds.”