When you testify, and you are in an appropriate uniform, you should do which of the following?

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Giving testimony is about providing a factual, neutral account of what you personally observed or did. When you’re in uniform, your credibility comes from sticking to verifiable details and avoiding interpretation or advocacy. State only what you actually saw, heard, or did at the scene, and describe the sequence of events as you experienced them. Keep your answers concise and truthful, addressing the court and answering questions directly.

Arguing a point, trying to persuade the judge, or making it a personal defense crosses into advocacy, which isn’t the role of a witness. Speaking to attorneys by their full names isn’t how you conduct testimony, and letting personal bias come through—such as showing dislike for the defendant—undermines your neutrality and can affect how your testimony is received. The aim is to provide reliable, objective information that helps the court determine what happened.