Author: John H. Dillon, Jr.

Jack Dillon earned a B. S. from the United States Naval Academy and an M. Ed. from the University of Virginia. Commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in 1964, he attained the rank of Captain of Marines. Appointed a Special Agent, FBI, in 1970, he investigated diverse criminal violations, including organized crime, bank robberies, extortions, and kidnappings. In 1976 he received orders to the Firearms/Toolmarks Unit of the FBI Laboratory for training as an examiner, where he evaluated evidence and provided on-site field support in domestic cases, as well as abroad. He also designed and taught basic and management-level forensic courses at the FBI Academy, Quantico, Virginia, 1982-1988. Jack retired from the FBI as Chief of the Firearms/Toolmarks Unit in 1994, and continues to consult in forensic firearm cases and in training design and delivery.

Introduction

It is critical that forensic examiners are able to communicate effectively in a variety of circumstances. Good communication is essential in dealing with investigators, writing reports, and providing testimony in court. In this module, effective presentation skills are outlined, as well as guidelines to create and manage written messages.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this module the student should be able to

• choose the ideal modality for message delivery considering the purpose location, and audience,
• describe how to effectively present technical information verbally,
• describe how to organize thoughts before writing,
• describe how to create an extended outline for writing,
• organize papers using bullet points with consideration to flow and style,
• describe what is required for a forensic report,
• describe the guidelines for writing a forensic report,
• know the courtroom structure and personnel within the court ,
• know basic courtroom procedures and protocols,
• define the general rules of evidence, discovery, and admissibility,
• define the general qualifications necessary before being allowed to testify as an expert witness,
• describe the appropriate demeanor and attire while providing testimony,
• describe the courtroom setting and how to present technical testimony and evidence,
• describe the ethical considerations when presenting testimony and the impact of providing faulty or erroneous evidence,
• describe basic techniques for handling hostile attorneys.

AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors

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