Question 1

Investigators should review the substance of their testimony before the trial. Investigators can review areas of likely inquiry in direct examination by a friendly associate such as the prosecutor.

Accepted Answer

Investigators are encouraged to prepare for their testimony by reviewing the substance and anticipating questions, which helps ensure clarity and accuracy during the trial.

Question 2

The progression of a compromised officer is predictable and, therefore, ____________.

Accepted Answer

D

Question 3

Define the term "ethical awareness."

Accepted Answer

Ethical awareness refers to the recognition and understanding of ethical issues and the existence of unethical conduct, enabling individuals to identify and address ethical dilemmas.

Question 4

One effect of unethical police conduct is known as jury nullification, which is best described as the: _____.

Accepted Answer

Jury nullification occurs when juries are influenced by factors outside the evidence presented, such as mistrust of police witnesses due to unethical conduct, leading them to acquit defendants despite evidence of guilt.

Question 5

Law enforcement ethics involve two distinguishable topics.

Accepted Answer

Misconduct and corruption are two distinguishable topics in law enforcement ethics.

Question 6

Open-ended questions are often asked of the investigator witness. During this questioning the witness will be asked to respond in his or her own words.

Accepted Answer

Open-ended questions allow the witness to provide detailed responses in their own words, which can yield more information and insights during an investigation.

Question 7

This is the most important thing an investigator-witness can do immediately after testifying.

Accepted Answer

Conducting a self-analysis of their performance helps the investigator-witness improve future testimonies by identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

Question 8

Investigators should meet and confer with the assigned prosecutor prior to their court appearance to discuss the investigator's testimony. Such meetings can be criticized by the defense counsel as being: _____.

Accepted Answer

Defense counsel may argue that such meetings are a "coaching session," implying that the prosecutor is improperly influencing the investigator's testimony.

Question 9

When asked a question, the witness's eye contact should be with the questioner; in answering, the eye contact moves from the questioner toward the jury.

Accepted Answer

This is a common courtroom practice to engage the jury and make them feel included in the communication, while initially acknowledging the questioner.

Question 10

A major result of disclosures of misconduct of the police is that the labor pool of men and women who want to become police officers will decrease and the most desirable candidates will not apply.

Accepted Answer

Publicized misconduct can tarnish the reputation of the police force, discouraging potential recruits, especially those who are highly qualified and have other career options, from applying.

Question 11

The growth of ethical awareness among criminal investigators as a professional group includes obligations to fellow investigators as a community. These obligations are best described as: _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The growth of ethical awareness among criminal...

Question 12

This person asks the investigator-witness to respond to "open-ended" questions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of This person asks the investigator-witness to respond...

Question 13

The first questioning of a witness is conducted by the party calling the witness to testify and called: _____.

Accepted Answer

Direct examination is the initial questioning of a witness by the party who called the witness to testify.

Question 14

The investigator should use underworld slang and police lingo because jurors are very impressed with such language coming from a figure of authority.

Accepted Answer

Using underworld slang and police lingo can confuse jurors and may not be appropriate or professional in a courtroom setting. It's important for investigators to communicate clearly and effectively.

Question 15

If officers are going to survive ethical dilemmas, the need to be as mentally prepared as they would be for tactical encounters.

Accepted Answer

Mental preparation is crucial for officers to effectively handle ethical dilemmas, just as it is for tactical situations, ensuring they make sound decisions under pressure.

Question 16

An investigator should not lie or be evasive on the witness stand as any such false testimony or attempt to stonewall can be disastrous to the credibility of the witness.

Accepted Answer

Lying or being evasive on the witness stand can damage the credibility of the witness and undermine the integrity of the investigation.

Question 17

A short pause before responding to a question asked by the defense counsel: _____.

Accepted Answer

A short pause can be beneficial as it allows time for thoughtful reflection, gives the prosecutor a chance to object if necessary, and is generally considered good behavior in a courtroom setting.

Question 18

Cross-examiners often prefer to limit the responsiveness of a witness by phrasing questions calling for a yes-or-no answer.

Accepted Answer

Cross-examiners use yes-or-no questions to control the witness's responses and limit elaboration, which can help in steering the testimony in a desired direction.

Question 19

After testifying, the investigator-witness should make a graceful exit from the courtroom, stopping only to shake hands or chat with the prosecutor on the way out.

Accepted Answer

An investigator-witness should maintain professionalism and avoid any appearance of bias or impropriety, which includes not engaging in casual interactions like shaking hands or chatting with the prosecutor in the courtroom.

Question 20

The investigator should not be willing to state that he or she does not know or cannot recall certain facts.

Accepted Answer

An investigator should be honest and transparent, and if they do not know or cannot recall certain facts, they should state so rather than providing inaccurate or misleading information.

Quiz 16: The Investigator As a Witness and Ethical Awareness