Defense attorneys attack the credibility of officers like no other witness. That's because you’re unique. Jurors hold you to a higher standard than any other witness. If a defense attorney can raise a doubt about your credibility with just one juror, it may raise a doubt about the entire case.

What's the first thing a defense attorney is going to look at to try and discredit you? Your report. You must begin to prepare to win against this attack while you're writing your report. Put yourself in a Condition Red state of awareness. Imagine the case at trial with your credibility on the line in every word you write.

Nation-wide, officers say they know they should not include opinions in their reports. But statements like, "the suspect appeared nervous," "seemed defensive," "approached in a threatening manner," are common. They're free ammo for the defense attorney.

Here's a real scenario. In a DWI case the officer wrote in his report that the suspect "appeared nervous." He also wrote she had watery eyes, a slight odor of alcoholic beverage, and an occasional slight slurring of speech. She failed the Standard Field Sobriety Tests and blew a .12. Now the officer is on cross examination at trial.

Q: Officer, you wrote in your report my client, Mrs. Baxter, appeared nervous?
A: That's correct.
Q: You observed that early in your contact with Mrs. Baxter, didn't you?
A: Yes.
Q: How did you stop Mrs. Baxter?
A: [The officer is led to describe his marked car, flashing strobe lights, what he was wearing - uniform, badge, service weapon, magazines, ASP baton, OC spray, handcuffs.]
Q: Officer, can you think of any reason any citizen - like the ladies and gentlemen of the jury - might also appear nervous when stopped as you've described and approached by an officer dressed and armed as you were?
A: [Answers here vary. Mock jurors are emphatic in their response. If you say "No" or any variation - "Possibly," "I wouldn't want to speculate," you've lost credibility because they know they get nervous when they simply see your patrol car.]
Q: Now, Officer, different people appear different when they're, in fact, nervous, don't they?
A: [Answers vary: "I guess so." "I suppose so." "What do you mean?" Officers qualify their answers and don't want to commit until they see where "the defense is going." Mock jurors say this looks evasive.]
Q: Well, some people when they're nervous appear quiet and hesitant?