1 week ago
7
Convincing a jury a person claimed another's life requires more than fingerprints and DNA.You need credible testimony, especially from the lead detective in the case.That's why the Birmingham Crime Commission recently recommended courtroom training for the city's crime fighters.“We're going to talk to our detectives and see. Hey, where do you all feel that you may need more training or not? Or just more guidance?” Birmingham police Chief Michael Pickett said.Recently, Pickett said he has already had conversations with Jefferson County D.A. Danny Carr.“We will be a part of training them to know what to expect when they come to court. Some detectives who have never testified before,” Carr said.Carr recognizes how essential a believable detective can be for a case.That's why they've offered courtroom training in the past.“Over the years, we've also done mock trials with law enforcement agencies here over the years as well,” Carr said.That way, they are better prepared to handle a defense attorney's cross-examination and any challenges that changes to technology can cause.“You know, crimes change, methods change. And we always want to stay on the front end of that,” Pickett said.After taking over as interim chief in November, Pickett's detectives have solved nearly 80 percent of the homicides this year.However, bringing the case to court is only half of the mission to deliver justice.“We got some great, outstanding homicide detectives. But we always want to improve. We always want to get better,” Pickett said.
Convincing a jury a person claimed another's life requires more than fingerprints and DNA.
You need credible testimony, especially from the lead detective in the case.
That's why the Birmingham Crime Commission recently recommended courtroom training for the city's crime fighters.
“We're going to talk to our detectives and see. Hey, where do you all feel that you may need more training or not? Or just more guidance?” Birmingham police Chief Michael Pickett said.
Recently, Pickett said he has already had conversations with Jefferson County D.A. Danny Carr.
“We will be a part of training them to know what to expect when they come to court. Some detectives who have never testified before,” Carr said.
Carr recognizes how essential a believable detective can be for a case.
That's why they've offered courtroom training in the past.
“Over the years, we've also done mock trials with law enforcement agencies here over the years as well,” Carr said.
That way, they are better prepared to handle a defense attorney's cross-examination and any challenges that changes to technology can cause.
“You know, crimes change, methods change. And we always want to stay on the front end of that,” Pickett said.
After taking over as interim chief in November, Pickett's detectives have solved nearly 80 percent of the homicides this year.
However, bringing the case to court is only half of the mission to deliver justice.
“We got some great, outstanding homicide detectives. But we always want to improve. We always want to get better,” Pickett said.
English (US)