Court Appearance

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for when to appear in court, how an officer is notified, court room demeanor, and District Attorney Correspondences.

Policy: Court Appearance

Author: Chief Joseph M. Hallman

WILEAG Standard: N/A

Issue Date: March 29, 2013

Reviewed Date: March 24, 2026

Revised Date: March 24, 2026

 

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for when to appear in court, how an officer is notified, court room demeanor, and District Attorney Correspondences.

Policy:

All officers are required to attend court and shall appear promptly at the time and place set for court action. 

Definitions:

N/A

Procedures:

1. Court Room Appearance
   1. An officer shall appear for court only when notified to do so by the District Attorney.
      1. If an officer believes a case is scheduled and/or pending, but has not received notice via email, mail, or phone, the officer shall contact the District Attorney’s Office and obtain the correct information.
      2. Prior to the court appearance, the officer should contact the District Attorney’s office to confirm that the case is still scheduled.
      3. On the day of the court appearance, the officer will make one more phone call to the District Attorney’s Office to reconfirm that the case is still on schedule.
2. Court Room Demeanor
   1. Officers shall conduct themselves in a professional manner at all time while in the court room.
   2. Officers shall appear in court in a clean, pressed uniform, unless directed differently by the District Attorney.
3. District Attorney Correspondence
   1. The District Attorney’s Office will occasionally send a letter with information pertaining to an officer’s case via his/her email or by mail.
      1. The officer will review the information, follow up on any requests from the District Attorney’s Office, and attach a digital copy of that letter into the case/ incident in the records management system.  If available to do so, the Sergeant and/or Detective will assist in sending incident reports, supplemental documents, video footage, and photographs to the District Attorney’s Office. 
4. Meetings with the District Attorney’s Office 
   1. University Police Officers are responsible for scheduling necessary appointments with the District Attorney or Assistant District Attorney.
   2. University Police Officers shall notify a supervisor of court appearances and scheduled meetings as soon as possible, especially if there is going to be a work schedule conflict.