An Expert Witness is critical to litigations wherein police actions are being reviewed by a Judge or a Jury. An Expert Witness in any litigation is expected to exhibit professional ethics and testify honestly and truthfully. On occasion, a Hearing may turn into a "Battle of the Experts." When this occurs, the Expert who exhibits more credibility via higher credentials, greater experience, or more artful testimony will prevail."

I feel that it is an honor to be asked to function as an Expert Witness. I also feel that when I am retained as an Expert Witness, the party is looking for an honest and competent champion of their cause. I am willing to evaluate each matter and will agree to act as an Expert Witness only for what I deem to be appropriate behavior.

Although I have been actively involved the the Police K-9 profession since 1977, I choose to maintain a neutral posture when it comes to acting as an Expert Witness. I am no "hired gun" and I will not take a position just because a significant amount of funding is involved. I do not adhere to a Code of Silence for law enforcement personnel. I will only act as an Expert Witness in a case in which I feel the party I represent acted reasonably or professionaly appropriate. I am willing to defend a K-9 officer's position if s/he was doing the best that s/he knew to do, as long as the intent was pure.

Law enforcement is a noble profession. For the service they provide, often at the risk of their own personal safety, officers deserve the most professional, technical and legal support - when they have performed to the best of their abilities. When they have done their best and someone cries foul, I feel compelled to use every bit of knowledge, skill, and intellect I possess to speak in their defense. This is my pledge. If I believe an officer has abided by the law, followed department policy/procedure, and made the best decision s/he perceived at the moment, I will champion their efforts with all my ability.

I believe that the truth is the truth and factual elements of an incident should not be manipulated for the best interests of a particular party in a litigation. I will, therefore, accept the role of an Expert Witness when the facts suggest that a dedicated officer has performed to the best of his/her knowledge, according to the of the situation as s/he perceived it. Likewise, if an officer misinterprets the facts of a situation but still acts in good faith, I am prepared to defend his/her good intent.

I have experienced a wonderful career in law enforcement. I am both honored and delighted to have served our society in this manner. I feel that I have held my own as a member of the noble Thin Blue Line. I feel that I have made a difference in the world as we know it. When I have had the privilege of having a role in the choice a court makes in a legal ruling, I feel that I have self-actualized as a law enforcement officer and a citizen. I pledge that this attitude will guide my actions, my language, and my position as an Expert Witness.

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