This one-hour training helps prepare 9-1-1 dispatchers to be the most effective, competent, and confident witness they can be in the event they are called to testify in a court of law regarding a call they handled. When a dispatcher testifies effectively, several important things occur: a) the public (jurors and media) becomes better informed and more appreciative of the role a dispatcher plays in the public safety system of their community; b) the integrity of the criminal case is enhanced; and c) the personal and professional pride and self-esteem of the dispatcher is fortified.

Part 1 of the Testifying lesson addresses: vocabulary terms, credibility, witness preparation, Memorandum of Understanding between the PSAP director and the DA’s office, and day of court checklists.