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Conducting Criminal Investigations Beyond a Reasonable Doubt  

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Effective courtroom testimony preparation begins at the scene of the crime. This course is designed to teach you how to investigate each case as if it will be tried in a court of law–not just for probable cause, but for beyond a reasonable doubt. You will learn how to properly document your investigations, from report writing and statements to scene documentation; various methods of interviewing in conjunction with the evidence code; and court hearings and strategies for testifying.

We will teach you how to effectively build a case with interviews, evidence gathering (videos, surveillance systems, written and recorded statements) and evidence codes as well as how to write effective police reports that will avoid motions to suppress and defeat most common defense cross examination tactics. We will teach you how to properly document both the crime scene and the people involved in the crime, and to preserve evidence for trial.

We will explore the different types and stages of court hearings and you will learn how to testify at depositions, hearings, motions to suppress, direct and cross examinations. We will teach you how to effectively prepare for trials and hearings, how to answer the prosecutor’s questions, and ways to combat defense attorney tactics.

To successfully complete the course, you will prepare and present the results of the direct and cross examination practical exercise and participate in mock trial testimony.

Topics Include

  • Investigating beyond a reasonable doubt
  • Investigating to disprove the defense theories of alibi, mistake, self-defense, etc.
  • Investigating and documenting to avoid cross-examination issues and motions
  • Using cell phones, cell sites and video surveillance
  • Preparing exhibits for trial
  • Pre-trial preparation with the prosecutor
  • Courtroom demeanor and attire
  • Testifying on direct and cross examination
  • Mock trial exercises

Audience

Patrol officers, newly assigned and seasoned detectives, investigations supervisors, crime scene technicians, medical examiner and coroner investigators, military investigative personnel, and non-sworn personnel who must effectively testify in court proceedings

Course Length

16 hours

 

 

 

Policies

Registration and Fees

Full payment must accompany all registrations. You may register online at www.iptm.org and pay with your Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card, or you may download a Registration Form and mail it to IPTM with a check.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

Complete the Cancellation Request Form and return it to IPTM. No telephone cancellations will be accepted. A 20% administrative fee will be assessed to all refunds if the cancellation request is received within 14 days of the course start date. In lieu of a refund, student substitutions can be made or a credit can be issued for a future course. No refunds will be given for no-shows. If materials for an online course were sent to the student, the appropriate materials and shipping costs will be deducted from the refund amount. Materials may be returned to IPTM in their original condition at the student's expense. Once IPTM has received and inspected them, the refund will be processed.

Due to the automated format of online independent study courses and Videos on Demand (VoDs), no refunds or substitutions can be made after registration.

Course Confirmations

A minimum number of registrations must be received for a class to run as scheduled. When the minimum criterion has been met, written confirmation will be emailed to you.

Please do not make airline reservations until you receive written notification confirming that the course will run as scheduled.

Transportation and Lodging

Most locations are served by several major airlines. Ground transportation, food and lodging are the responsibility of the student. Special rates have been negotiated at select hotels in Jacksonville for IPTM students. For more information, please visit the Locations/Lodging tab on our website at www.iptm.org or call us at (904) 620-4786.