By Dupree R. Foster, P1 Contributor
Police officers spend countless hours investigating a crime, preparing reports and reviewing case details for court, but too often overlook one critical factor that can influence the outcome before a single word is spoken — officer presence. A professional, confident, and well-prepared appearance can reinforce credibility, strengthen testimony, and leave a lasting impression on judges, attorneys, and juries.
From how you walk into the courtroom to how you present yourself in uniform, small details can shape perceptions and impact the case’s outcome. Here are seven key ways law enforcement officers can establish authority, project professionalism, and set the stage for success before the trial even begins.
1. Shine your boots (or at a minimum, clean them)
There’s nothing worse than seeing an officer walk down the aisle with a trail of dirt and mud behind them. You may have heard the excuse, “Dirty boots are the sign of a hard-working officer.” Clean, shiny boots show the defense you are a hard-working, professional officer.
2. Clean and press your uniform
I get it, sometimes you get to court right after clearing from directing traffic, arresting someone, or taking a burglary report, but that shouldn’t be an excuse for why you didn’t have your uniform pressed before wearing it to work – let alone court.
3. Wear your necktie
Most departments require officers to wear their necktie to court only if they are wearing their long-sleeve uniform shirt. Although your department may allow you to wear your short-sleeve uniform shirt to court, it doesn’t mean you should. Prepare to wear a clean, pressed, long-sleeve uniform shirt and tie to court. Oh, and keep your neck tie clean and pressed. Everyone can tell when you just pulled it out of your trunk and clipped it on right before court.
4. Be mindful of your body posture
Walk into court standing tall, with your head held high. Be relaxed yet confident as you make your way to your seat and, once there, sit up and pay attention to what’s going on around you. Now isn’t the time to start reading your reports as, that can be construed as the sign of an ill-prepared officer.
5. Carry your reports/court documents in a padfolio
If you have spent any time in court, I’m sure you have seen that officer who comes strolling in with one sheet of paper rolled up like a paper telescope, or with no documents at all. When you don’t happen to have any pertinent documents to bring to court, still carry a padfolio, as this exudes the appearance of a well-prepared officer.
6. Be well groomed
Ladies, ensure your hair is well kept and gentlemen, ensure your hair is well trimmed. Most trials, if not all, typically start well before 5 p.m. so there should be no excuse for a “5 o’clock shadow.”
7. Make eye contact
Be sure to make eye contact with each person you are addressing, whether the judge or attorney. Look at them as they are speaking to you and not down at the floor or at your notes. Making eye contact shows you are confident and certain of what you are saying.
Remember, just as we size people up, people do the same to us. Strive to win the case before the trial begins by following these seven ways to enhance and take advantage of your police officer presence in court.
About the Author
Dupree R. Foster is a police officer in Virginia and has over 15 years of public safety experience to include training, evaluating and mentoring police officers, EMTs and other public safety professionals.
This article, originally published on April 12, 2018, has been updated with a video and additional resources.