Testifying in Court: What Corrections Officers Need to Know

Course Code: REL-PS-0-CORTCWYNK

Hours: 1.25

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2024

Learning Objectives:
List 3 types of situations in which correctional officers may be asked to testify in court.
Discuss 4 strategies for preparing for court.
Recognize at least 10 recommendations for displaying appropriate courtroom etiquette.
Identify 4 strategies for providing effective testimony and tips for each strategy.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Preparing for Court

Situations When Correctional Officers May Have to Testify

Strategies for Preparing for Court

Understand Your Role in the Legal Process

Knowledge Check

Know Your Rights

Communicate with Your Attorney

Review Pertinent Information

Review

Summary

Section 3: Courtroom Etiquette

First Impressions

Recommendations for Displaying Appropriate Courtroom Etiquette

Strategies for Providing Effective Testimony

Stages of the Questioning Process

Actively Listen to What is Being Asked

Practice Effective Verbal Communication

Be Cognizant of Non-Verbal Communication Cues

Review

Summary

Section 4: Conclusion

Summary

Course Contributors

Resources

References

Congratulations!

Subject Matter Expert: Joe Martin

Joe Martin is a career employee for the Kentucky Department of Corrections. Joe started his career as an officer in 1998. Joe was promoted to Sergeant in 2002 and to Lieutenant in 2005. Joe worked and supervised most security positions within a male and female facility while in security that include: Internal Affairs supervisor, Special Management Unit Supervisor, Shift Supervisor, Visitation Supervisor, Adjustment Committee, and Grievance Chairman. In 2012 Joe was again promoted to the Accreditation Manager. In 2013 Joe was promoted to Central Office and started in the PREA Executive department. In 2014 Joe gained his DOJ PREA auditor certification where he served as chair for many PREA Audits in Missouri and Kansas while the KY DOC was part of a consortium with several other states. During his career, he has also served as the Hostage Negotiation Team Leader and active member of the team. Joe’s accomplishments include Commissioner’s and Achievement awards for the department.

Writer: Kimberly Cobb, MS

Mrs. Cobb is a Lead SME Writer/Trainer at Relias. Her primary writing responsibilities are in the content areas of public safety and behavioral health. Mrs. Cobb is also the onboarding trainer for new staff joining the Relias Content Department. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She has over 25 years of experience working in criminal and juvenile justice. Her work includes direct service, research, publication development, and training and technical assistance development and delivery.

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Correctional Officers; in the following settings: Adult Corrections.

Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.

Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.