The literature teaches police officers how to investigate, and lawyers how to examine and cross-examine the police witness. The police officer is however left on his own once he has completed his investigation: How should he prepare his case? How should he present the evidence he has gathered? What problems is he likely to encounter when testifying in examination-in-chef and in cross-examination? These are but some of the questions which the author attempts to answer. In his book, the principles are well illustrated by frequent references to examples, which are, for the most part, taken from actual cases, which point out different situations the witness should avoid. It is generally less painful to learn from the mistakes of others than from your own. This book is mainly designed as a guide for police officers, but may also prove quite helpful to students in police technology and to lawyers who must prepare their witnesses for court. Also available in French: Comment déposer devant les tribunaux - Le témoignage du policier.

Summary of Contents

Introduction The Witness

• Non-Verbal Communication
• The Witness' Demeanour
• The Witness' Relationship with the Parties

Testifying

• The Purpose of Testifying
• Oral Communication
• Specific Rules
• Use of Notes

Cross-Examination

• The Purpose of Cross-Examination
• Common Cross-Examination Techniques

Conclusion Index Table of Cases Bibliography Appendix