6 replies to this topic

[Anthony190]

I have recently been sent an email from duties warning me that i am due to attend court for a traffic offence. I attended the 'Giving Evidence In Court' course they run at Netley, but it was so long ago now i cant remember any of it....whats court ettiquette for an officer and what MUST you do when at court?

[Tayais]

I'm not sure on Hampshire protocols but generally (in the forces I've worked in and courts I've been too) when attending Magistrates (majority of traffic offences) dress is beat duty uniform (PPE/Radio taken off prior to going in). If its a panel of magistrates refer to them as 'your worships' if its a single person sat there, chances are its a district judge - s/he can be thrown a 'your honour'. If in doubt - stick with Sir / Ma'am.
Forces differ, but if you have a copy of your statement I would recommend having it with you, just in case... Revise up on any bits of law that may come up. Know your definitions - chances are your CPS prosecutor will be dealing with a bazillion traffic cases a day and won't step in to defend you too much. You'll be asked to swear or affirm once you're in - you'll likely be given a sheet to read off in either case for the wording.
When you arrive, check in with reception - this might be the CPS office, the Police Liaison office, Witness Services or an usher at a reception. If its your first time, be honest, let the prosecutor know in advance and I'm sure it will all go swimmingly......

[Capt. Carrot]

Answer from Tayais is quite thorough. I'd only add that, no matter who asks the question, answers are addressed to the Bench.
Have an elastic band around your PNB marking the page relevant to the case. (This saves a lot of embarassing searching later)
Don't get flustered and don't try to cover up mistakes. If you made a mistake, in any part of the process, admit it if challenged.

[Sinvisto]

All good advice above. Hampshire are now encouraging (requiring) tunics to be worn in court, so make some arrangements with uniform stores in time. Also, on the day stick to the truth and facts, as you know them. It sounds obvious, but some solicitors will lead you towards making a guess if s/he can see that you are not completely sure about something. If you are unsure - just tell them that you cannot recall, even if asked repeatedly. Being human, there are some things that we just cannot remember accurately, and that's OK, rahter than guess, then have the next witness give an opposite answer. Don't worry, it will be fine.

[Slim Jim]

And after all that preparation and sitting down for a couple of hours, someone will come out to you and tell you that you're no longer required and you can go as the defendant has pleaded guilty!

[A.Smith]

Number one dress (tunics) required for crown court of magistrates court or coroners court. Magistrates court then just your usual patrol uniform.

If you wish to refer to your PNB you have to ask permission to do so first.

[Slim Jim]

I attended Court today and it was remarked upon how smart I looked in my tunic. I have to say, although I last wore it 4 years ago, I did feel very smart and had a nice proud smile on my face.

And as per my last post...turned up and then sent home within an hour!