Effective Communication Paper

Effective Communication Paper

Brandi Greenfield

CJA/304

Monty Mathis

December 17, 2014

There are a lot of ways to effectively communicate no matter what situation you may be

in. In this paper we will discuss the process of verbal and nonverbal communication and the

components associated to each one of these. The differences between listening and hearing will

also be touched upon. The formal and informal channels of communication in Criminal justice

organizations. We will also look into the different barriers to effective communication in

criminal justice organizations. Strategies that may be implemented to overcome communication

barriers in criminal justice organizations.

Communication is “the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to

Express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone

Else.” ("Merriam-Webster", 2015). Communication in any criminal justice setting involves both

verbal and non-verbal communication, whether it be inside the organization itself or outside in

the community. In order for a law enforcement agency to function properly both forms of

communication are critical.

Verbal communication is all about the spoken word, whether it be face-to-face, over a

telephone, via a radio or any other social media outlets. Officers must be able to communicate

with their fellow officers and superiors, and also the people in their community. There are two

main components to ensure proper verbal communication, that being the content of the message

and word usage. When an officer is communicating with a victim, suspect, or any other person

for that matter they need to ensure that they are communicating on the level of that person. This

ensures that the officer is completely understood.

Non-verbal communication includes written communication as well as body language,

your gestures, how you act and dress and even your scent. Police reports are...