EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SETTINGS

TAMMY V. JACKSON
CJA/304
AUGUST 29, 2016
MR. POMERANTZ

INTRODUCTION
The ability to communicate effectively is an essential skill for police
officers, correction officers, and other people working in a criminal
justice setting. You must be able to communicate effectively in a variety
of situations, such as testifying in a courtroom, making public
announcements to the press, and communicating to coworkers,
inmates, and the public. To ensure personal credibility, communication
must be concise, intelligent, and accurate (Wallace & Roberson, 2009)

The ability to communicate

effectively is an essential skill for
police officers

How verbal and nonverbal

communication can affect these
areas

Public announcement to the press

Testifying in court

Communicating with peers and inmates in a correctional facility

Conversation with parole officer

Conversation with family members

What is Verbal Communication?

Verbal communication encompasses any form of
communication involving words, spoken, written or
signed. Our ability to communicate with a language that
is based on an organized system of words, rather than
merely sounds, is what sets us apart from lower species.
Not only do we have language, but we also have the
technology that enables us to communicate with one
another no matter the physical distance.

What is nonverbal communication ?

Nonverbal communication between people is
communication through sending and receiving
wordless clues. It includes the use of visual cues such
as body language (kinesics), distance (proxemics)
and physical environments/appearance, of voice
(paralanguage) and of touch (haptics).

Public announcement to the press

Review facts

Speak clearly and avoid jargons

Be professional and communicate

clearly

Be professional

Understand your purpose

Maintain goal

Two objectives officers must

accomplish; represent authority and
induce compliance, and, at the same
time, show concern, and gain respect
and trust.

TESTIFYING IN COURT

Dress professional

Be prepared for questioning

Take oath, look and listen to the

person administering it.

Listen think before you talk

Be precise and alert

Answer questions asked do not

volunteer any answers

Be honest and courteous

Your character, honesty, and self respect

will influence the jury.

Communicating with peers and

inmates in a correctional facility

Everyone should have good clear

instructions

Be respected in the facility and

respect others

Take charge and stand your grounds

Show no weakness

Improve and institutionalize the most

comprehensive base of information
that corrections agencies can resource
that has probable use for traditional
and inventive police procedures.

REFERENCES
Demand Media; (2016)- Livestrong.com
Wallace, H., & Roberson, C. (2009). Written and interpersonal
communication: Methods for law enforcement (4th ed.). Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.