California Security Officers with Registrations (guard cards) must receive 40 hours of training as follows:

• 8 hours “Powers to Arrest” prior to an Officer standing post.
• 16 hours of training within 30 days of issuance of registration, 8 of which must consist of two four-hour courses from the mandatory modules and 8 of which must consist of elective courses.
• 16 hours of training within 6 months of issuance of registration, 8 of which must consist of the remaining two four- hour courses from the mandatory modules, and 8 of which must consist of elective courses.

This course module, titled “Courtroom Demeanor” has been approved by the Bureau of Investigative and Security Services as in compliance with Business and Professions Code Sections 7583.6 and 7583.7 and Title 16, Division 7, Article 9, Section 643 of the California Code of Regulations.

This course corresponds to module III.Q of the BSIS Course Outline. This is an elective course under the Course Outline and satisfies the requirement for 4 hours of training under the elective section of the Security Officer Training Laws and Regulations.

III.Q – Courtroom Demeanor – 4 hours

Course Outline & Syllabus Learning Goals

• The officer will understand the role of a security officer in a court or other hearing.
• The officer shall understand the steps in preparing to testify.
• The officer will have the ability to identify guidelines or procedures for testifying.
• The officer shall have an understanding of the difference between a courtroom procedure and an administrative hearing.
• The officer will understand the importance of reviewing notes taken as they prepare for their testimony.
• The officer will understand the difference between testifying in court and providing a deposition.

Outline

A. Introduction

1. Importance of being able to communicate effectively
2. Need to make a good presentation
3. Single most important element is to be truthful
4. Cannot provide opinion

B. Preparation

1. Review of notes
2. Develop timeline of incident
3. Revisit location of incident if necessary to refresh memory of events with the above materials

C. Administrative Hearing

1. Difference between administrative hearing and court
2. Examples

D. Deposition

E. Courtroom Testimony

1. Subpoena
2. Review with legal counsel
3. Review of notes taken and reports
4. Visit the location of the courtroom in advance so you know the location
5. Wearing of uniform or proper business attire
6. Answer questions directly, however wait to answer to allow legal counsel to object if needed
7. If unsure of question, ask the attorney asking to repeat question
8. Know the Facts
9. Speak clearly – Say yes and no, do not nod head or use other body language communications
10. Always be truthful
11. Make eye contact
12. Do not lose your temper or composure, and do not take any questions personally