Class Location:
California Criminalistics Institute / Rancho Cordova
Class Description:
This two-day (16-hour) course focuses not so much on technical issues, but rather on communication methods employed by expert witnesses form effective testimony. The two-day workshop uses video taping and solid constructive critiquing. Throughout the workshop, participants will learn and practice the key elements to improve their overall testifying skills and become more confident. Witness effectiveness is increased by enhancing positive skills and modifying subconscious behaviors that interfere with the goal of successful public speaking. This is intended for criminalists, toxicologists, latent print and questioned document examiners, investigators, crime scene and identification technicians, and law enforcement specialists called to testify in court (applies for all levels of experience).
Teaching Methods:
Classroom lectures, student presentations and viewing of recorded testimony from criminal trial.
Objectives:
Students will be required to present their qualifications, give presentations and provide testimony on an actual case that either they or a colleague has worked
Prerequisites:
While previous court testimony experience is useful , attendees need not have any prior court appearances.
Preparation:
Before the start of the class, the students will provide a sample report to be used in the testimony portion of the class. Also, students will wear appropriate court attire to class.
Tuition:
No cost to POST supported or State of California based Law Enforcement agencies. A $360.00 tuition fee will be required of all other public agency, private sector, or out-of-state applicants.
